How people around the world view AI (October 2025)
This Pew Research Center analysis focuses on public opinion of artificial intelligence – including awareness of the technology and concern or excitement about its use – in 25 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East-North Africa region, North America and sub-Saharan Africa. The report also explores respondents’ trust in their own country, the European Union, the United States and China to regulate the use of AI.
Ten learnings from the survey:
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Awareness is widespread, but “deep” awareness is limited
A median 34% of adults across 25 countries have heard or read “a lot” about AI; 47% “a little,” and 14% “nothing.” Awareness differs sharply by country (e.g., France 52% vs. Spain 30%). Heavy internet users are notably more likely to say they’ve heard a lot. -
Concern outweighs excitement almost everywhere
Globally, more people are concerned than excited about AI’s rise (medians: 34% concerned, 16% excited, 42% equal). In the U.S., Italy, Australia, Brazil and Greece, about half say they’re mainly concerned. As few as 16% in South Korea are mainly concerned. -
Richer countries = higher AI awareness
Awareness tracks national income levels: higher-income nations report greater exposure to AI.
Around half in Japan, Germany, France and the U.S. have heard a lot; only 14% in India and 12% in Kenya say the same. This underscores a pronounced digital awareness divide by GDP per capita. -
Younger adults are far more aware than older adults
Across countries, under-35s consistently report higher AI awareness than those 50+. In several nations the youngest–oldest gap exceeds 30 percentage points. Age also shapes sentiment, with younger groups generally less concerned. -
Gender gap: men hear more; women worry more
In over half of countries, men are more likely to have heard “a lot” about AI. Women, in many countries, are more likely than men to be mainly concerned. This pattern persists alongside age and education differences. -
Education shapes both awareness and attitude
People with less education tend to be less aware of AI overall. They’re also more likely to be concerned than excited about its use. These gaps appear across many surveyed countries. -
Always-online users skew more excited—and more informed
Near-constant internet users are more likely to say they’ve heard a lot about AI. They’re also more likely to be mainly excited about AI’s growth in daily life. This “digital intensity” effect holds in every country surveyed. -
Most people trust their own country—though not equally
Large shares trust domestic regulators in places like India (89%), Indonesia (74%) and Israel (72%). Trust is weakest in Greece (22%), and Americans are almost evenly split (44% trust vs. 47% distrust). Overall sentiment: many expect national authorities to take the lead on AI rules. -
EU trusted more than the U.S. or China to regulate AI
Across countries, the EU enjoys greater trust as an AI regulator than the U.S. or China. This pattern reflects broader views of these actors and aligns with general favorability. Per-country trust varies, but the EU leads on balance. -
Robust, global methodology underpins the findings
The report covers 25 countries across all major regions, released Oct 15, 2025. Non-U.S. fieldwork spanned Jan 8–Apr 26, 2025, totaling 28,333 adults; U.S. waves ran in March and June.
Mixed modes (phone, face-to-face, panel) and standard weighting ensure national representativeness.
Source: Pew Research Center, “How People Around the World View AI” (Oct 2025).
Read and download full report -
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