A recent global survey indicates a striking disparity in public trust towards artificial intelligence (AI), with China demonstrating significantly higher confidence compared to Western countries. This divergence in perception could have profound implications for the ongoing race for technological supremacy between China and the West.
Key Takeaways
China's public exhibits substantially higher trust in AI than their counterparts in the US and Europe.
A majority of Chinese respondents believe AI can help solve major societal challenges.
Younger demographics in China show even greater faith in AI technology.
The gap in trust presents a dual challenge for businesses and policymakers.
A Divide in AI Confidence
The Edelman poll revealed that a remarkable 87 percent of people in China expressed trust in AI. This figure starkly contrasts with the 32 percent in the US, 36 percent in the UK, and 39 percent in Germany. Brazil also showed a lower trust level at 67 percent.
Furthermore, over 70 percent of Chinese respondents anticipate AI playing a crucial role in addressing issues such as climate change, mental illness, poverty, and societal polarisation. In contrast, only about one-third of Americans believed AI could reduce poverty and polarisation, though half predicted a positive impact on climate-related challenges.
Embracing the Future of AI
When asked about embracing greater AI use, 54 percent of Chinese individuals responded affirmatively, compared to a mere 17 percent in the US. This enthusiasm is particularly pronounced among younger Chinese adults, with 88 percent of those aged 18-34 expressing faith in AI, versus 40 percent in the same age group in the US.
Implications for Technological Leadership
This trust differential poses a significant challenge for businesses and policymakers. In high-trust markets like China, the focus is on maintaining optimism through responsible AI deployment and clear evidence of benefits. Conversely, in low-trust markets, the priority is rebuilding confidence in the institutions behind AI development.
The survey results emerge amidst intense competition for AI dominance between the US and China. While the US is often perceived to lead in developing the most powerful AI models, Chinese companies like Alibaba and DeepSeek are making substantial progress with cost-effective, open-source language models. This technological advancement, coupled with strong public trust, could provide China with a competitive edge.