ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Google survey says global AI optimism is increasing as usage grows

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Excitement about AI’s potential now exceeds concerns (57% vs. 43%), according to study conducted in 21 countries.

This past year, artificial intelligence entered the mainstream, showing people around the world how it can serve as an engine for transformation across many fields. How are people’s opinions changing as they experience and use AI in their work and everyday lives?

Photo: Tara Winstead from Pexels

A new global survey from Ipsos and Google, titled ‘Our Life with AI: From innovation to application’, claims that attitudes towards AI are more positive as its use grows.

The survey of 21,000 people across 21 countries says global artificial intelligence usage has jumped 10 percentage points to 48%, and excitement about AI’s potential now exceeds concerns (57% vs. 43%).

While concerns persist (29% of respondents believe that AI will change the economy in a negative way, down from 33% last year), Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs at Google & Alphabet, says people are beginning to experience the practical benefits of AI – from streamlining everyday tasks like email drafting to enhanced flood-forecasting systems.

“This increased exposure to AI’s capabilities – plus optimism about its potential to drive future breakthroughs in science, medicine, and other fields – has led to a greater understanding and appreciation of its potential,” Walker comments in a press release.

Opportunity for scientific and medical breakthroughs

Respondents are most enthusiastic about AI’s potential to drive progress in healthcare and scientific research: seven in 10 expect it to have a positive impact on science (72%) and medicine / health care (71%).

“Personally and professionally, many people believe that AI will benefit them and are interested in exploring AI applications that can help them communicate, problem solve and execute better,” says Walker.

“For example, 65% of global respondents are excited about using AI for personal assistance – like shopping online, organising schedules or planning trips.”

Usage of artificial intelligence for work purposes

Professionally, many people see AI as a tool to not only help them be more productive, but also operate at a higher, more strategic level.

Almost three quarters (74%) of AI users are already using it for work. More broadly, the public prioritises using AI to help people use complex data or systems (84% of respondents believe it is significant) and promote business problem solving (82% of respondents) as the most important AI workforce applications.

You can read the full report here.

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