A global study by the Pew Research Center shows that while awareness of artificial intelligence is expanding rapidly, public comfort with the technology is lagging far behind. Across 25 countries, a median of 34 percent of adults say they are more concerned than excited about AI’s growing role in daily life, compared with just 16 percent who feel mainly excited. Nearly half fall somewhere in the middle, describing themselves as both intrigued and uneasy.
High Awareness, Uneven Reactions
AI is no longer a niche topic. Pew found that most adults worldwide have heard at least a little about it, with only 14 percent saying they know nothing about the technology. In wealthier nations, the familiarity rate is strikingly higher. Roughly half of adults in Japan, Germany, France, and the United States report having heard or read a lot about AI, compared with just 14 percent in India and 12 percent in Kenya.
That knowledge has not translated into reassurance. Concern outweighs enthusiasm in most high-income countries, especially in the United States, Italy, Australia, Brazil, and Greece, where around half of adults express more fear than excitement about what AI might bring. In contrast, South Korea stands out, with only 16 percent saying they are mainly concerned, and Israel ranks among the most positive, with 29 percent reporting greater excitement than worry.
Trust in Regulation Divided by Geography
Confidence in how governments can handle AI regulation is equally uneven. Pew’s data reveal that most people trust their own national institutions more than international powers. In India, 89 percent of adults say they trust their government to regulate AI effectively, followed by 74 percent in Indonesia and 72 percent in Israel. By comparison, only 22 percent in Greece express that same confidence.
The European Union is seen as the most reliable external regulator, trusted by more than half of adults across surveyed nations. In contrast, only 37 percent trust the United States to manage AI responsibly, and just 27 percent feel the same about China. Within the U.S., views split almost evenly, with 44 percent expressing trust and 47 percent showing doubt. Political alignment plays a role: about 54 percent of Republicans and right-leaning independents express confidence in Washington’s ability to regulate AI, compared with 36 percent of Democrats and left-leaning voters.
Economic and Age Gaps Define Perception
The divide between richer and poorer nations remains a consistent theme in Pew’s data. Awareness levels rise with GDP, but anxiety often rises with it. In wealthier economies, people are more likely to have encountered AI in work, media, or education, leading to stronger opinions and sharper fears about automation and misinformation.
Younger adults, meanwhile, stand out as both the most aware and the most conflicted. In nearly every country surveyed, those under 35 are significantly more familiar with AI than those over 50. In Greece, 68 percent of younger adults say they have heard a lot about AI, compared with just 20 percent of older adults. In Israel, nearly half of young adults (46 percent) say they are more excited than concerned about AI’s growing use, while only 15 percent of those 50 and older share that optimism.
Gender and Internet Use Add More Layers
Gender divides persist across several countries. Men tend to be more familiar with AI, while women are more likely to report feeling mostly concerned about it. Pew found that in over half of the countries studied, men had a higher rate of AI awareness, but women showed greater apprehension about how technology might change workplaces, safety, and privacy.
Online habits further shape these opinions. People who use the internet “almost constantly” are more inclined to express excitement about AI’s potential. In every surveyed country, these heavy internet users are also more likely to have heard a lot about the technology, showing how digital immersion can foster familiarity and optimism.
A Growing Technology, a Divided Public
Across all 25 countries, Pew’s findings reveal a consistent message: people recognize AI’s power but remain uneasy about where it leads. A median of 53 percent of adults trust the European Union to manage AI effectively, yet only a minority place faith in the United States or China, the two countries driving much of its innovation. The pattern suggests that progress in AI adoption is outpacing public confidence in governance.
While AI tools continue to shape communication, business, and education, the survey shows that most people still approach the technology with caution. They see its potential, but many are unconvinced that governments (or companies) will keep it in check. For now, AI awareness is spreading faster than trust, and that gap is becoming one of the defining challenges of the digital age.
Note: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.
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References
- ^ Why AI Images Look So Unreal: The Science Behind How Machines ‘See’ (www.digitalinformationworld.com)