February 9, 2025

A brand new Google-Ipsos report reveals AI adoption is growing globally, particularly in rising markets.

Nonetheless, the study reveals challenges like regional divides, gender disparities, and slower adoption in developed international locations.

Critics, together with Nate Hake, founding father of Journey Lemming, level out how Google overlooks these challenges in its report coverage.

Whereas optimism round AI is rising, itā€™s not resonating with everybody.

Right hereā€™s a more in-depth take a look at the report and what the numbers point out.

AI Is Rising, However Inconsistently

Globally, 48% of individuals used generative AI final 12 months, with international locations like Nigeria, Mexico, and South Africa main adoption. These areas additionally present probably the most pleasure about AIā€™s potential to spice up economies and enhance lives.

Adoption lags at 29% in developed nations just like the U.S. and Canada, that means that 71% of individuals in these areas havenā€™t knowingly engaged with generative AI instruments.

Screenshot: Google-Ipsos Examine ā€˜Our life with AI: From innovation to utility,ā€™ January 2025.

Optimism Outweighs Considerations

Globally, 57% of persons are enthusiastic about AI, in comparison with 43% who’re involvedā€”a shift from the 12 months prior, when pleasure and considerations have been evenly cut up.

Individuals cite AIā€™s potential in science (72%) and drugs (71%) as causes for his or her optimism. Respondents see alternatives for breakthroughs in healthcare and analysis.

Nonetheless, within the U.S., skepticism lingersā€”solely 52% imagine AI will straight profit ā€œindividuals like them,ā€ in comparison with the worldwide common of 59%.

Gender Gaps Persist

The report highlights a gender hole in AI utilization: 55% of world AI customers are males in comparison with 45% ladies.

The disparity is even greater in office adoption, the place 41% {of professional} AI customers are ladies.

Rising Markets Are Main the Method

Rising markets are utilizing AI extra and are extra optimistic about its potential.

In areas like Nigeria and South Africa, persons are extra more likely to imagine AI will rework their economies.

In the meantime, developed international locations just like the U.S. and U.Ok. stay cautious.

Solely 53% of People prioritize AI innovation, in comparison with a lot increased enthusiasm in rising markets.

Non-Generative AI

Whereas generative AI instruments like chatbots and content material turbines seize headlines, the general public is extra appreciative of non-generative AI functions.

These embody AI for healthcare, fraud detection, flood forecasting, and different sensible, high-impact use circumstances.

Generative AI, alternatively, will get combined evaluations.

Writing, summarizing, or customer support functions donā€™t resonate as strongly with the general public as AIā€™s potential to deal with greater societal points.

AI at Work: Younger, Prosperous, and Male-Dominated

AI is making its manner into the office. 74% of AI customers use it professionally for writing, brainstorming, and problem-solving duties.

Nonetheless, office AI adoption is skewed towards youthful, wealthier, and male employees.

Blue-collar employees and older professionals are catching upā€”67% of blue-collar AI customers and 68% of employees aged 50-74 use AI at workā€”however the gender hole stays pronounced.

Belief in AI Is Rising

Belief in AI governance is bettering, with 61% of individuals assured their governments can regulate AI responsibly (up from 57% in 2023).

72% assist collaboration between governments and firms to handle AIā€™s dangers and maximize its advantages.

Takeaway

AI use is rising worldwide, although many individuals in North America nonetheless see little purpose to make use of it.

To extend AIā€™s adoption, corporations should construct belief and clearly talk the know-howā€™s advantages.

For extra particulars, take a look at the complete report at Google Public Policy.


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