Global AI poll shows surprising results: People are anxious about AI’s impact, but hopeful for its benefits
People are more worried about AI’s potential impact on their jobs than they are about its impact on their personal lives, according to new survey questions developed by Gallup for the 2026 World Poll.
The World Poll’s AI-related questions were tested in over 20 countries with varying levels of technological development, aiming to capture a snapshot of global attitudes towards AI. Gallup conducted the surveys as part of a broader effort to establish standardized data on AI awareness, use, and attitudes.
Avoiding Bias in Global Data
To ensure the questions were relevant and unbiased, Gallup researchers worked closely with AI experts and stakeholders. They considered the impact of cultural and linguistic differences on the survey’s language and framing, taking into account issues like varying levels of technological access and differing societal values.
The survey probed attitudes towards job displacement, AI’s potential to improve people’s lives, and concerns about data privacy and security. The results showed that people in both developed and developing countries are more concerned about AI’s impact on employment than on other aspects of their lives.
Surprising Consistency Across Regions
While cultural differences were expected to play a significant role, the results revealed surprising levels of consistency across regions. People from diverse countries with varying levels of economic development expressed similar concerns about AI’s potential impact on jobs and the economy. However, there were notable differences in how people from developed and developing countries perceived AI’s potential benefits for improving healthcare and education.
What this means
The development of standardized global survey questions about AI awareness and attitudes is a crucial step towards creating more informed policies and interventions. Policymakers, businesses, and researchers can now rely on these data to make more evidence-based decisions about how to address the impact of AI on society.
