New research reveals a clear divide in perceptions of AI between English-speaking countries and major EU economies. Polling firm Ipsos Mori surveyed 23,000 adults across 30 countries. Results show Brits, Americans, Australians, and Canadians are more anxious about AI’s rise.
In contrast, excitement is rising in France, Germany, and Italy. Matt Carmichael from Ipsos Mori noted,
“In the Anglosphere… there is much more nervousness than excitement.”
Over two-thirds of Brits are worried about AI in products and services. Trust in the UK government’s regulation of AI is below 50%. In Europe, half or fewer in key markets express similar fears about AI.
The US has the lowest trust levels. Plus, the Biden administration’s ties with Silicon Valley—think Zuckerberg, Musk, and Bezos—are raising eyebrows. The EU recently passed the EU AI Act, clamping down on risky AI behaviors while the UK delays its own regulation bill.
Meanwhile, Abba’s Björn Ulvaeus has turned to AI for his new musical. He describes collaborating with AI as,
“like having another songwriter in the room with a huge reference frame.”
Globally, 31% believe job markets will improve due to AI. However, 35% think they’ll get worse. In the UK, nearly a third fear job displacement. In Thailand, nearly 75% believe AI will take their jobs in five years. Only 14% of Swedes share that sentiment.
The survey also shows skepticism towards AI-generated content, including news articles and films. Most oppose it but accept it’s likely where things are headed.
Carmichael warns of a potential backlash as AI output grows. This resistance is evident as UK musicians push for copyright protections against AI. High-profile authors are also suing tech giants for copyright infringement.
The gap in excitement versus anxiety over AI is clear. Countries with high trust in government, like Indonesia and Thailand, report the most positive feelings toward AI.
The conversation around AI isn’t slowing down. As regulations evolve, so will public opinion.
