English-speaking nations show greater anxiety over AI, survey finds

English-speaking nations show greater anxiety over AI, survey finds

A global survey has revealed a striking divide in public attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI), with English-speaking countries expressing significantly more concern than their European and Southeast Asian counterparts. The poll, conducted by Ipsos Mori and shared with The Guardian, surveyed 23,000 adults across 30 countries, highlighting growing anxiety in places like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia over the integration of AI into daily life.

In Great Britain, two-thirds of respondents said they feel nervous about AI being used in products and services. Only a minority expressed trust in the government’s ability to regulate the technology effectively. This mistrust was echoed in the US and Japan, with Americans showing the lowest levels of confidence in government oversight.

In contrast, countries like Germany, France, and Italy reported lower levels of anxiety, and Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand exhibited some of the highest levels of optimism and trust in AI regulation. However, the survey noted these responses were largely from educated and connected urban populations.

The study found that a quarter of global respondents still lack a clear understanding of what AI is, despite its rapid development and increasing use. Concerns were widespread over AI’s role in generating news, films, and advertisements, though many people accepted that AI will likely dominate these fields in the near future.

Employment was another key area of concern. In Great Britain, nearly a third feared AI could replace their jobs entirely. Globally, only 31% believed AI would improve the job market, while 35% predicted a negative impact. Attitudes varied sharply by region: nearly three-quarters of Thai respondents said AI could take over their jobs in the next five years, compared to just 14% in Sweden.

The report underscores how public perception of AI is shaped not only by the technology itself but also by the level of trust in national governments to manage its risks. As AI continues to expand into more sectors, experts suggest the world may see either growing acceptance or a backlash, particularly around content creation and job security.