A global view of AI: between hopes and doubts

As AI increasingly permeates all aspects of life—from employment to leisure, from health to surveillance—the perception of it among populations worldwide reveals a mixed picture. According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in spring 2025 across 25 countries, only 14% say they have “practically never heard of it.” (Pew Research Center)
Yet enthusiasm is mixed with concern, and dynamics vary greatly by region.

Latin America: impatience, hope… but persistent mistrust

In Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, etc.), the public shows a certain optimistic impatience: AI is seen as an opportunity for technological catch-up, broader access to services, and social transformation. At the same time, concerns related to the possible disappearance of jobs, technological concentration, and dependence on large foreign platforms are palpable.
There is strong demand for regulation: many Latin Americans express that AI should be regulated rather than allowed to develop freely.

Western countries: strong awareness of issues, growing skepticism

In the United States and Canada, as well as in Western Europe, AI is now a familiar topic—but the image is not triumphant. Many citizens are more worried than enthusiastic: in the 2025 global Pew survey, a median of 34% of adults in surveyed countries say they are “more concerned than excited” about the increased use of AI. (Pew Research Center)
Trust in companies using AI is declining: overall, only 47% believe these companies protect personal data well. (hai.stanford.edu)
In Europe, trust in the European Union as a regulator is higher than in other regions, indicating strong expectations for oversight. (Pew Research Center)

east asia & southeast asia: dominant enthusiasm, but important nuances

In China, Indonesia, Thailand, the sentiment is mostly positive: 80% or more believe AI services will bring more benefits than drawbacks. (hai.stanford.edu)
However, this great enthusiasm does not erase certain concerns: about data protection, algorithmic biases, or benefit redistribution.
Japan stands out with a more cautious attitude than its Asian neighbors, illustrating that wealth and technological maturity do not always equate to unreserved optimism.

Africa: between lack of awareness, hopes for development, and strong concerns

In Africa, the situation is mixed. In some countries, a significant portion of the population reports never having heard of AI. (Pew Research Center)
In others, notably East Africa, AI is viewed with suspicion: a majority believe its effects could be rather negative for society.
Yet, in the region’s political and technological discourse, AI is increasingly presented as a possible lever for development, provided it is accompanied by training, infrastructure, and regulation.

Oceania: strong awareness of issues, visible unease

In these countries, AI is known and used, but public discomfort is high. A large share of respondents say they “feel nervous” at the idea of AI gaining ground.
The issues of loss of control, privacy, and employment are particularly marked here.

Key differences and common dynamics

• optimism vs skepticism by region: emerging countries tend to be more optimistic, while developed countries are more skeptical. (hai.stanford.edu)
• limited trust: overall, less than half of people believe AI systems or companies are fully “fair,” “reliable,” or “respectful of data.” (hai.stanford.edu)
• expected regulation: a fairly broad consensus emerges that technology cannot be left unregulated.
• young/connected vs less informed: younger, urban, educated audiences are more enthusiastic and confident; those less informed or in contexts with limited digital access more often express mistrust. (Pew Research Center)
• focus on employment: in many regions, the fear that AI will replace jobs or radically change working conditions is very real. (hai.stanford.edu)

Conclusion

The assessment for 2025 is therefore mixed: AI is no longer a distant abstraction; it is expected, used, and feared. Some populations adopt it as a driver of the future, others see it as a threat or an unknown.
The great challenge? That it becomes a shared tool, with distributed benefits, credible governance, and restored trust. Without this, the gap between technological enthusiasm and social reality risks deepening new inequalities and tensions.