Many Countries Are Optimistic About A.I., Poll Finds

A Gallup poll released this week suggests that optimism about artificial intelligence is more widespread than apprehension among the public in a majority of the countries surveyed. The research, which canvassed respondents in 37 nations across six continents, found that 54 percent said they felt “curious” or “excited” about AI, while just 38 percent expressed “fear” or “worry”. The remaining 8 percent were undecided or neutral..

The findings challenge a narrative that AI is universally feared and provide a nuanced picture of how attitudes vary by region, age and education.The survey, conducted between January and March, used a standardized questionnaire that asked participants to rate their feelings towards AI on a four‑point scale: “excited”, “curious”, “worried”, or “scared”. Gallup’s methodology involved random‑digit dialing and online panels, aiming for a representative sample in each country. In total, 28 000 adults were interviewed, with sample sizes ranging from 600 in smaller markets such as Iceland to 1 500 in larger ones like the United States and India..

The poll’s margin of error is ±3 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.Across the globe, the highest levels of enthusiasm were recorded in South Korea, where 71 percent of respondents said they were excited or curious about AI, and in the United Arab Emirates, where 68 percent shared the same sentiment. In contrast, the United Kingdom and France showed the lowest levels of optimism, with only 42 percent and 44 percent respectively feeling positive about the technology. In both of these countries, the proportion of respondents who said they were scared or worried exceeded 45 percent, the highest rates among the surveyed nations.Age proved to be a significant factor..

Younger adults, aged 18 to 34, were more likely to be enthusiastic, with 63 percent expressing curiosity or excitement, compared with 48 percent of those aged 55 and over. Education also correlated with optimism: 61 percent of respondents holding a university degree felt positively about AI, while just 46 percent of those with only primary or secondary schooling did so. The poll noted that people with higher exposure to technology – such as regular users of smartphones, online services and digital assistants – tended to view AI more favorably.Regional trends echoed broader economic and policy contexts..

In East Asia, where governments have actively promoted AI as a pillar of national development, public sentiment appears aligned with official optimism. South Korea’s “AI‑plus” strategy, which earmarks billions of dollars for research, infrastructure and workforce training, may be reinforcing a perception of AI as an engine of growth. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates has positioned itself as a regional hub for AI innovation, launching a national AI strategy and appointing a minister for AI in 2017..

In Europe, the more cautious outlook could reflect ongoing debates over regulation, data privacy and the ethical use of AI, highlighted by the European Union’s proposed AI Act.The poll also asked respondents to identify the most significant benefit they associated with AI. The top three answers were “improved efficiency at work” (34 percent), “better healthcare outcomes” (29 percent) and “enhanced education and learning” (22 percent). When asked about the biggest risk, 41 percent cited “job displacement”, 38 percent mentioned “loss of privacy”, and 21 percent worried about “bias and discrimination in AI systems”..

These concerns were echoed in the free‑text comments, where many participants expressed a desire for clearer rules and accountability mechanisms.Experts say the Gallup data offers a timely snapshot as governments grapple with how to harness AI while mitigating its downsides. “Public sentiment is clearly divided, but the tilt towards curiosity and excitement suggests a willingness to engage with AI, provided there are safeguards,” said Dr Sofia Martinez, a senior fellow at the Institute for Future Technologies. “Policymakers need to translate that optimism into concrete measures – such as transparent standards, investment in reskilling programmes and robust oversight – to avoid a backlash if expectations are not met.”Industry leaders have taken note of the findings..

A spokesperson for the Global AI Consortium, an alliance of tech firms and research institutions, said the results “reinforce the importance of building AI solutions that are user‑centred and clearly communicate their benefits”. The consortium has pledged to increase public education initiatives, including webinars and community workshops, to demystify AI and address misconceptions. Meanwhile, labour unions in several European countries have called for stronger protections for workers, warning that optimism alone does not prevent the displacement of jobs that AI could trigger.Critics of the poll caution that self‑reported feelings may not translate into actual behaviour or policy support..

“People can be excited about AI in theory, yet resist its deployment when it directly impacts their livelihoods,” argued Professor Anil Gupta, a sociologist at the University of Delhi. He pointed to earlier surveys where high levels of enthusiasm for renewable energy did not always lead to adoption of green technologies. “The challenge is to bridge the gap between sentiment and action,” he added.Nevertheless, the Gallup report underscores a shift in the global narrative surrounding artificial intelligence..

While fear and scepticism remain prominent, especially concerning employment and privacy, the prevailing mood appears more inquisitive than alarmist. As governments, businesses and civil society prepare for the next wave of AI applications – from generative language models to autonomous systems – the balance between optimism and caution will likely shape the regulatory frameworks and public‑private partnerships that define the technology’s trajectory. The poll’s authors recommend ongoing monitoring of public attitudes, noting that rapid advances in AI could quickly alter perceptions, for better or for worse..