Mind the Gap: Big Tech’s AI Vision and Public Trust
Big tech would do well to "mind the gap" or face injury.
The AI revolution is well underway, but most people know little about it and have deep-rooted fears about its impact on their work.
This Ipsos survey is sobering and reveals that AI is outpacing people’s ability to understand and trust it.
Big tech companies would do well to carefully follow this trend, as it will directly impact the severity of AI regulations they face and the public acceptance of AI applications.
The survey shows a trust disconnect or gap. Big tech is selling the vision of AI transforming our world for the better, but the sad reality is that most people fear the risks outweigh the benefits.
Can you blame them?
👉TAKEAWAYS
🔹 74% know little to nothing about AI:
Despite growing adoption of AI tools by organisations, public understanding and use remain low, particularly among some demographic groups. Proactive, targeted education and engagement is needed to improve AI literacy and access.
🔹 59% say unskilled and older workers will lose out:
The public sees AI as benefiting some groups more than others, with more currently perceiving AI as a risk than an opportunity overall. Building trust will require demonstrating clear benefits and addressing concerns transparently.
🔹 65% fear deep fakes and analysis of their political preferences
People are open to AI assisting humans but uncomfortable with it replacing human judgement for high-stakes decisions. Starting with high-benefit, low-risk applications tied to public priorities will help build public confidence.
🔹 59% believe that AI regulation is lagging behind the pace of technological change. A stunning 65% do not trust the UK government to use AI in a safe and responsible way!
The pace of AI regulation is viewed as too slow by most. The UK needs to establish a robust framework drawing on global best practices, with public trust and safety as central objectives.
🔹 64% are not confident in having the skills needed to use AI in current or desired job role
Many of the workforce do not feel ready for AI. Government and businesses should emphasise AI as enhancing jobs and target skills-building in sectors likely to be most reliant on AI.
👊STRAIGHT TALK👊
This survey shows how big tech’s vision of an AI-enabled utopia is not trickling down to the “little people” who genuinely fear its impact on their lives.
That’s a harsh message, and big tech should take it very seriously. Without the support of the general populace, AI will face pushback from those who feel left out.
It should come as no surprise that with this latent fear of AI, nearly 60% of those surveyed believe AI regulation is too slow.
The risk of blowback on big tech with more severe AI regulation grows daily as the general public’s tension builds.
While the study's results apply to much of the English-speaking world and Europe, they don’t represent the sentiment of developing economies.
While the “Anglosphere” views AI as a greater risk than opportunity, the developing world is far more excited about AI and seems to focus on the opportunity.
What is clear is that without education, training, and regulation, AI will face an uphill climb for public acceptance.
Do you think big tech even cares?
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