Common Man's Feelings About AI

Our imaginations drive us crazy sometimes. The uncertainty of the future must be stabilized with ideas that make it a bit less uncertain. The fundamental work on AI was done over 75 years ago but the technology and investment has become a vivid reality.

This article is more data focused than my usual work. Appropriately, writings about the average person in society should focus on direct data. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how we work, learn, and live. But how do regular people - not researchers or CEOs - feel about this all encompassing change? Recent surveys and reports reveal a mix of hope, worry, and a desire for ethical guardrails.

1. Curiosity and Cautious Optimism

A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 52% of Americans feel more concerned than excited about AI in daily life, though they also recognize its benefits in areas like healthcare and education.

Pew Research – How Americans View AI in Daily Life (2023):
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/28/growing-public-concern-about-the-role-of-artificial-intelligence-in-daily-life/

53% of Americans believe AI will erode people's creativity.

Pew Research study (2025):
https://www.axios.com/2025/09/17/pew-research-american-ai-survey-2025

An Ipsos Global Advisor report surveyed people across 31 countries and found 60% believe AI will make life easier.

Ipsos – Global Attitudes on Artificial Intelligence (2022):
https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/global-opinions-about-ai-january-2022

2. Fear of Job Loss and Unequal Power

The 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer found that nearly 89% of workers fear job loss due to AI and automation.

Edelman Trust Barometer – Workplace and AI Insights (2023):
https://www.edelman.com/trust/2023/trust-barometer

3. Demand for Ethics and Human Oversight

73% of consumers worldwide trust content from generative AI. 66% for personal relationships or life and career planning.

WEF – Global AI Trust Report (2024):
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/01/davos24-trust-ai-right-foundations-determine-its-future

4. Cultural and Global Differences

Attitudes toward AI vary significantly by region:

China & India: High optimism where governments have invested heavily in AI initiatives

European Nations: More skeptical, emphasizing privacy and regulation

Stanford HAI AI Index 2025:
https://hai.stanford.edu/ai-index/2025-ai-index-report

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Antonio Johnson

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