AI Is Growing, But Unevenly
AI Is Growing, But Unevenly
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A new Google-Ipsos report shows that AI adoption is increasing globally, with 48% of people using generative AI last year. Countries like Nigeria, Mexico, and South Africa are leading the adoption, showing the most excitement about AI’s potential to boost economies and improve lives.
Adoption lags at 29% in developed nations like the U.S. and Canada, meaning that 71% of people in these regions haven’t knowingly engaged with generative AI tools.
### Screenshot: Google-Ipsos Study ‘Our life with AI: From innovation to application,’ January 2025.
Optimism Outweighs Concerns
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Globally, 57% of people are excited about AI, compared to 43% who are concerned—a shift from the year prior, when excitement and concerns were evenly split. People cite AI’s potential in science (72%) and medicine (71%) as reasons for their optimism. Respondents see opportunities for breakthroughs in healthcare and research.
However, in the U.S., skepticism lingers—only 52% believe AI will directly benefit “people like them,” compared to the global average of 59%.
### Gender Gaps Persist
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The report highlights a gender gap in AI usage: 55% of global AI users are men compared to 45% women. The disparity is even bigger in workplace adoption, where 41% of professional AI users are women.
### Emerging Markets Are Leading the Way
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Emerging markets are using AI more and are more optimistic about its potential. In regions like Nigeria and South Africa, people are more likely to believe AI will transform their economies. Meanwhile, developed countries like the U.S. and U.K. remain cautious. Only 53% of Americans prioritize AI innovation, compared to much higher enthusiasm in emerging markets.
### Non-Generative AI
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While generative AI tools like chatbots and content generators grab headlines, the public is more appreciative of non-generative AI applications. These include AI for healthcare, fraud detection, flood forecasting, and other practical, high-impact use cases. Generative AI, on the other hand, gets mixed reviews. Writing, summarizing, or customer service applications don’t resonate as strongly with the public as AI’s potential to tackle bigger societal issues.
### AI at Work
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AI is making its way into the workplace. 74% of AI users use it professionally for writing, brainstorming, and problem-solving tasks. However, workplace AI adoption is skewed toward younger, wealthier, and male workers. Blue-collar workers and older professionals are catching up—67% of blue-collar AI users and 68% of workers aged 50-74 use AI at work—but the gender gap remains pronounced.
### Trust in AI Is Growing
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Trust in AI governance is improving, with 61% of people confident their governments can regulate AI responsibly (up from 57% in 2023). 72% support collaboration between governments and companies to manage AI’s risks and maximize its benefits.
### Takeaway
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AI use is growing worldwide, though many people in North America still see little reason to use it. To increase AI’s adoption, companies must build trust and clearly communicate the technology’s benefits.
Conclusion
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The Google-Ipsos report highlights the growing adoption of AI globally, with emerging markets leading the way. However, there are concerns about regional divides, gender disparities, and slower adoption in developed countries. To increase AI adoption, it is crucial to build trust and clearly communicate the technology’s benefits.
FAQs
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* What is the current state of AI adoption globally?
AI adoption is increasing globally, with 48% of people using generative AI last year.
* What are the main concerns about AI?
Regional divides, gender disparities, and slower adoption in developed countries are major concerns.
* How can AI adoption be increased?
Building trust and clearly communicating the technology’s benefits are key to increasing AI adoption.
* What are the most significant use cases for AI?
AI is being used in healthcare, fraud detection, flood forecasting, and other practical, high-impact use cases.
