Growing up, I remember watching sci-fi movies that hint at AI and because they are mostly horror movies, I guess that influenced perception of AI as something evil (to a child’s eye). Later on in movies, AI was portrayed as what will change the world to become flawless and perfect, unfortunately, it is always about that one person that wants to take the world for himself, all with an evil intention.
Fast forward to today in reality, AI is portrayed as that sweet experience that makes life easier. It is much closer to our daily lives than we realize from recommending what to watch on Netflix, to driving our cars, filtering our inbox, helping students with home-work and projects, used by military in fighting the “bad guys”, helping doctors make faster diagnoses and in performing critical (e.g open-heart) surgeries.
But here’s the big question: What do ordinary people actually think about AI?
That’s exactly what a group of researchers set out to understand in their report “What Does the Public Think About AI?” The findings show a fascinating mix of excitement, anxiety, and cultural differences.
1. We’ve Heard of AI… But Don’t Really Understand It
Most people now know what AI is or at least, they think they do. Surveys show that while awareness is climbing, understanding remains patchy. For some, AI is still all about “robots taking over.” While others can define it in terms of algorithms, machine learning, or tools like ChatGPT.
Interestingly, people often realize they’re using AI only when it’s obvious, like voice assistants or chatbots. Many people are not aware that AI powers fraud detection systems, recommendation systems, and even email spam filters.
2. Hopes: Better Lives with Smarter Machines
There is real confidence in AI out there. People like the idea of AI catching diseases earlier than doctors, personalizing education, or making everyday tasks easier and less tedious.
One of the surveys even found that the younger generations are more open to using chatbots at work or school. For them, AI is no longer a distant future, it’s a productivity hack.
3. Fears: Jobs, Privacy, and Control
On the other hand, many worry that AI will make human workers redundant or even loose their jobs to robots. A recurring concern is job automation even if most people don’t believe their job is at immediate risk, they think society at large could face higher unemployment.
Then there’s the question of privacy. People are uneasy about how much data AI systems use and who’s in control. Trust in tech companies is low, and trust in governments is lower.
4. Not Everyone Sees AI the Same Way
One of the most interesting findings is how geographical location shapes opinion.
In China and India, people tend to be more optimistic about AI’s benefits.
In the US and UK, people lean toward caution, often focusing on risks.
And even within countries, differences emerge by age, education, and familiarity with technology.
So, when we ask “What does the public think about AI?” the answer really depends on who you’re asking.
5. Why It All Matters
AI isn’t just about technology, it is about people. If the public fears AI, it could slow adoption and push governments toward stricter regulation. If they trust it, then we might see faster integration into healthcare, education, and transportation.
So, in other words, public opinion is the invisible hand guiding AI’s future.
– The Takeaway
The study concludes that the public sees AI as both a promise and a threat. There is excitement about how it can make life better, but also unease about jobs, privacy, and control. The real challenge now is finding ways to build AI that people trust so that optimism outweighs fear.
– Curious to dive deeper?
You can check out the full report here “What Does the Public Think About AI?” from the Centre for the Governance of AI, it is packed with insights, data, and charts on how opinions on AI are shifting.
– From me to you
What do you think about AI? Share your thoughts in the comments.