In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), a surprising trend is emerging: people in emerging economies are showing greater trust and optimism toward AI technologies than their counterparts in more advanced economies.
A major global study conducted by the University of Melbourne, in collaboration with professional services firm KPMG, has illuminated this growing divide. According to the survey, two-thirds of respondents are now using AI technologies regularly, underscoring just how deeply integrated AI has become in daily life. Even more striking, 83% of participants believe AI will deliver a wide range of benefits, ranging from efficiency improvements to major advancements in healthcare, education, and sustainability.
Trust in AI: An Uneven Landscape
Despite the widespread usage and optimism, trust remains a complicated issue. 58% of those surveyed described AI as "untrustworthy", a figure that has risen compared to previous studies conducted before the public launch of generative AI systems like ChatGPT in late 2022.
Interestingly, this skepticism is not evenly distributed across the globe. People in emerging economies — such as those in Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia — are significantly more willing to trust AI and more excited about its potential than individuals in wealthier, more developed nations. This optimism may be driven by the perception that AI can help leapfrog traditional barriers to development, offering new solutions for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and commerce.
In contrast, respondents in advanced economies like the United States, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe demonstrated more caution and skepticism. Factors such as concerns about job displacement, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and a more developed regulatory debate likely contribute to this more guarded attitude.
Why the Divide?
Several factors might explain why emerging economies are more trusting of AI:
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Opportunity vs. Risk: In regions where traditional systems are underdeveloped, AI offers fresh possibilities to address longstanding challenges. The potential benefits often outweigh the perceived risks.
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Less Regulatory Fear: Without a highly developed regulatory framework — and often fewer headline-grabbing stories about AI missteps — emerging markets may view AI through a lens of possibility rather than fear.
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Cultural Differences: Trust in technology often correlates with broader cultural attitudes toward innovation and authority, which vary significantly between regions.
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Youthful Populations: Many emerging economies have younger demographics who are typically more open to adopting and experimenting with new technologies.
The Road Ahead
As AI continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, understanding the global landscape of trust will be crucial for businesses, policymakers, and developers alike. Building trustworthy AI will not just involve improving the technology itself but also addressing cultural, educational, and ethical concerns that vary by region.
For companies looking to deploy AI solutions globally, these findings offer a roadmap: success will depend not just on technical excellence but also on tailoring engagement strategies to local attitudes and needs.
In a world where emerging economies are leading the trust revolution in AI, the future of innovation might well be shaped not from Silicon Valley alone, but from the dynamic, fast-growing regions of the global South.