- A new Stanford HAI survey reveals a “great divide” in AI optimism: 83% of Chinese respondents are optimistic, versus only 39% of Americans.
- Western nations (U.S., Canada, Netherlands) remain cautious, though sentiment has slowly improved (France/Germany +10%) since 2022.
- Vitalik Buterin noted this divergence mirrors other emerging sciences, like gene editing, where Asia also shows higher trust than the West.
A new international survey from Stanford University’s Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) Institute reveals a growing global divide in public sentiment toward AI. While interest in AI technologies continues to surge across Asia, Western countries show more restrained confidence in their benefits.
A ‘Great Divide’: Asia Leads, West Lags in AI Optimism
According to the findings, 83% of respondents in China view AI products and services as more beneficial than harmful. This represents the highest level of optimism globally. Similar sentiment is seen in Indonesia (80%) and Thailand (77%), where majorities express confidence in AI’s positive impact.
Western nations, by contrast, report lower levels of trust. Only 40% of Canadians, 39% of Americans, and 36% of Dutch respondents consider AI beneficial overall.
Despite this caution, the report does show a slow improvement in sentiment. Positive attitudes have increased by 10 percentage points in Germany and France since 2022. Both Canada and Great Britain saw 8-point gains, while the United States recorded a 4-point gain, signaling a gradual shift in perception.
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The accompanying Ipsos dataset from 2022 to 2024 displays these changes, showing a constant, region-specific rise in AI confidence as exposure to practical applications, including productivity tools, automation systems, and governance technologies, increases globally.
Buterin: Divergence Mirrors Other Emerging Sciences
Following the report’s release, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin noted this divergence is not unique to AI. He referenced a related global survey highlighting a similar pattern of public trust in other emerging sciences.
Citing Pew Research Center’s International Science Survey (2019–2020), Buterin pointed to views surrounding gene-editing research as an illustrative comparison.
The Pew data shows approval for gene editing is highest in India (56%) and Taiwan (44%). Japan records the lowest regional belief at 26%.
In the Americas, Canadians (60%) and Americans (60%) align closely with Brazil (63%). European responses vary widely. France (75%) and Germany (68%) show high approval, while Italy and Poland display stronger ethical reservations.
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