Emerging economies trust artificial intelligence the most: Survey

People in developing countries (emerging economies) exhibit a greater propensity to trust artificial intelligence (AI) compared to their counterparts in developed nations, displaying heightened optimism and enthusiasm regarding its advantages, according to a significant survey conducted by the University of Melbourne in collaboration with KPMG, a professional services firm.

This comprehensive global study revealed that approximately two-thirds of participants reported regular engagement with AI technologies, while an even larger proportion, 83%, expressed belief in the potential for AI to deliver a diverse array of benefits. 

Nevertheless, a notable 58% of those surveyed in the digital economy regarded the technology as lacking in trustworthiness, marking an increase from findings in a prior study conducted before the advent of ChatGPT, a revolutionary generative AI chatbot, in 2022.

Expert-speak

Nicole Gillespie, the study's lead and chair of trust at Melbourne Business School, emphasised the importance of public trust in AI technologies, asserting that the secure and responsible use of these technologies is crucial for their ongoing acceptance and integration into society. 

The survey results highlighted a distinct divide between emerging economies, where approximately 60% of individuals express trust in AI, and advanced economies, where only about 40% share this sentiment. Gillespie noted that the elevated levels of trust and adoption of AI in developing nations can be attributed to the significant relative advantages and opportunities that the technology presents, as well as its increasingly vital role in fostering economic growth.

As AI continues to proliferate, both businesses and governments are faced with the challenge of reconciling innovation with ethical issues, including job displacement and data privacy concerns. The study encompassed over 48,000 participants from 47 countries, conducted between November 2024 and January 2025.