
So what do most Americans think of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies? It’s a bit of a loaded question, as AI might mean different things to different people. It might be the technology that helps you find a good song while driving. But it also might mean the technology that eliminates your job.
AI integration company Krista Software recently announced the results of its 2023 AI Trust Survey of adults from across the U.S. to gauge their current knowledge, sentiments, and trust in AI for performing tasks and making critical decisions.
The data revealed that while most Americans are now aware of artificial intelligence, their understanding of how it works varies greatly depending on factors such as age and job position. Furthermore, despite being open to AI handling specific tasks, respondents displayed strong reluctance to trust AI with decisions that could significantly impact their lives.
The survey found large variances in awareness of AI between generations. Fifty-eight percent of respondents acknowledged AI's existence, with Gen Z (61 percent) and Millennials (56 percent) feeling more confident in their understanding compared to a mere 24 percent of older generations. Overall, 54 percent of Americans believe AI will affect their jobs, with management professionals anticipating positive outcomes, while rank-and-file workers remain less optimistic.
So…awareness aside, how do Americans feel that AI will help their lives? The largest group (36 percent) described their overall attitude towards AI as "neutral," with 32 percent indicating a "slightly positive" stance.
"The survey results emphasize the importance of public awareness and transparency in how AI functions to build trust among people whose lives, jobs, and freedoms may be impacted by AI adoption," said John Michelsen, CEO and co-founder of Krista Software. "As we integrate AI into our lives and business processes, we must consider that users and consumers may not have computer or data science backgrounds. Business leaders must understand this and deploy AI in a way that they can build trust in AI decisions.”
Edited by
Greg Tavarez