A survey conducted by Ipsos Global studied 22,816 adults under the age of 75 between May 26 and 9 June from 31 countries.
The report has shown the evolving perceptions and expectations of AI among consumers globally, especially anticipation and concerns about its potential impact on various aspects of life.
Thailand (69%), Malaysia (62%), Indonesia (62%) and India (51%), in terms of the influence AI would have on working life, were the most concerned that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could replace their jobs. On average, 57% of workers worldwide expect AI to affect how they perform in their present positions, with 36% anticipating AI to replace their existing jobs.
Among those who did the survey, a percentage of those that are expecting a disruption is the highest in Southeast Asia and the lowest is in Northern Europe (with differences of up to 50 points). The percentage is also much higher among those who are younger and/or decision makers than those who are not.
Singaporeans agree that AI will provide people more time to finish other activities (64%), as well as boost their entertainment alternatives (57%). However, 67% believe AI will change the way they work, and 41% expect it will replace their current occupations over the next five years. This figure is far in excess of the global norm.
In Malaysia, 81% believe AI will transform the way workers perform at work, and 62% believe AI will eventually take over their jobs.
Asian countries ranked the highest when they were asked whether AI products and services have significantly changed their daily lives. Specifically, the people living in South Korea ranked the highest globally with 73% followed by Thailand and Indonesia, both holding 72% and Malaysia at 71%.
Despite the advancement and deployment of AI applications, the proportion of adults who are aware of the use of AI in products and services remains largely stable. Another consistent tendency is the gap between usually AI-enthused emerging economies and AI-averse high-income countries.
Across 31 markets were surveyed, two in three (67%) stated that they have a good understanding of what Artificial Intelligence is. However, only half (51%) stated that they know which products and services use AI. Younger adults, men, those who are employed and educated and affluent have more knowledge on the use of AI in products and services.
However, people from Singapore and Malaysia seem to have greater awareness of AI where 57% of Singaporeans and 68% of Malaysians claim they are aware of the types of products and services that use AI which is higher than the global average.
64% of Singaporeans believe that AI-based products and services have more benefits compared to drawbacks. This idea is shared among other Asian countries with an average of 62% of respondents within the Asia Pacific region indicating a positive view of AI.
Mixed feelings & increased nervousness
Overall, only half of the respondents agree that artificial intelligence-based services have more benefits than drawbacks (54%) and they are excited about them (54%). However, a rather similar portion (52%) are nervous regarding AI-based products and services. Data from this report suggests that the global public is increasingly concerned about being negatively affected by AI technology as it evolves.
Among Asian markets, respondents surveyed are most concerned about the impact of AI on products and services with nearly as many adults saying that using AI products make them nervous (52%) while 54% are excited for it.
More specifically, people from India (58%), Thailand (57%) and Malaysia (55%) were the most nervous.
Lastly, only one in three or slighting more claims that it will improve their health, their employment and their country’s economy globally. Some say that AI will likely hurt the economy instead of improving it.
