Trust in AI far higher in China than West, poll shows

Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
1h ago 1 view
A survey shows 87% of Chinese trust AI, significantly higher than in the US and Europe. This trust could impact AI's role in addressing societal issues.
Trust in AI far higher in China than West, poll shows
A What happened
According to an Edelman survey, 87% of people in China express trust in artificial intelligence, a stark contrast to the 32% trust level in the United States. The survey highlights that over 70% of Chinese respondents anticipate AI's involvement in addressing societal issues such as climate change, mental illness, and poverty. In comparison, only one-third of Americans share this optimism regarding AI's potential to reduce poverty and polarization. The survey also found that 54% of Chinese support increased AI usage, while just 17% of Americans feel the same. Trust in AI is particularly high among younger Chinese individuals, with 88% of those aged 18-34 expressing confidence in the technology. This disparity in trust presents challenges for businesses and policymakers in both regions, especially as the US and China compete for technological dominance.

Key insights

  • 1

    High Trust in China

    87% of Chinese respondents trust AI, significantly higher than in the US.

  • 2

    AI's Societal Role

    Many Chinese believe AI can help solve major issues like climate change.

  • 3

    Youth Trust Levels

    88% of young Chinese trust AI, compared to 40% of young Americans.

  • 4

    Tech Supremacy Battle

    The US and China are competing in AI development and deployment.

Takeaways

The survey underscores a significant trust gap in AI between China and Western nations, which could influence the technology's development and societal applications.

Topics

AI & ML Society