Artificial Intelligence and Global Challenges: Insights from an Exploratory Survey of Public Opinion

Abstract

The world is facing rapid, vast and profound societal transformations that challenge human confidence of persons and things. Developments in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been explored in relation to the need to tackle these complex challenges and to generate social good. However, misinformation and disinformation about AI (and generated by AI itself) have been identified as one of the major global risks for the future. This study is part of a broader research project analysing the potential of AI to support complex modes of thinking in the face of current global challenges, examining the potentialities, constraints, and risks. It aims to examine public opinion on AI, specifically representations of AI, its possible impacts, and the trustworthiness of institutions that regulate AI. To achieve this aim, an online survey comprising closed and open-ended questions was conducted within the three-phase model of social representations theory framework in 2024 (N=383). The results of the free association of words shows that AI is mainly associated with the “future”, “robots”, “technology” and “innovation”. Two opposing positions on AI were found; (i) Supporters associate AI with potential benefits in line with technological optimism, such as automation, speed and efficiency; (ii) Critics stress the degradation of social and human values. These two groups also differ in terms of the likelihood that they would consider using AI and the level of trust they place in the information they obtain from AI use for different purposes, including academic tasks. The results point to the need to stimulate further public initiatives to discuss the potential impacts of AI in society as well as on the role of institutions in its regulation.