A comprehensive global survey conducted by the University of Melbourne in partnership with KPMG reveals that people in emerging economies are significantly more trusting and optimistic about artificial intelligence (AI) than those in advanced nations. The study, which gathered responses from over 48,000 individuals across 47 countries between November 2024 and January 2025, shows a clear divide: about 60% of respondents in emerging markets trust AI, compared to only 40% in developed countries.
The survey also found that roughly two-thirds of participants regularly use AI technologies, and an overwhelming 83% expect AI to bring a wide range of benefits. Despite this optimism, 58% of respondents expressed concerns about AI’s trustworthiness, a figure that has risen since a similar pre-ChatGPT study, highlighting ongoing skepticism about AI’s reliability and ethical implications.
Nicole Gillespie, chair of trust at Melbourne Business School and lead researcher, emphasized the importance of public confidence in AI’s safe and secure use for its sustained acceptance and integration. She attributed the higher trust levels in emerging economies to the greater relative benefits AI offers in these regions, including its critical role in driving economic growth and expanding opportunities.
As AI adoption accelerates worldwide, the survey underscores the challenges faced by businesses and governments in balancing the promise of innovation with concerns about job displacement, data privacy, and ethical governance. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and industry leaders aiming to foster a human-centered approach to AI development and deployment.In summary, while AI’s transformative potential is widely recognized, trust remains uneven globally. Emerging economies are leading the way in embracing AI, driven by tangible benefits and economic needs, whereas advanced economies exhibit more caution, reflecting broader concerns about the technology’s impact on society.