Global AI anxiety persists despite rising adoption

A new Gallup survey commissioned by Microsoft reveals growing concerns about AI among users worldwide, with 68% of daily AI users in the U.S. expressing worry. The study, covering 37 countries, found that while optimism about AI’s benefits is widespread, anxiety remains high, particularly in Western nations. In the U.S., 74% of AI users reported feeling worried, compared to only 36% who expect it to mostly help the country. Similar concerns were noted in Canada and other wealthy Western countries, where frequent AI use coexists with significant apprehension. Meanwhile, countries like Singapore, China, and Israel show higher optimism, with many expecting AI to improve their lives. Despite this, trust in AI’s accuracy remains low, with only 36% of global respondents expressing strong confidence in its results. Gallup’s Pablo Diego-Rosell highlighted the multidimensional nature of public sentiment, noting that curiosity and concern can coexist. As AI development accelerates, tensions over regulation and its societal impact continue to shape global discourse.