DistantNews
Support us
UK Survey: AI Use Declines Amid Growing Public Anxiety
🇲🇦 Morocco /Technology

UK Survey: AI Use Declines Amid Growing Public Anxiety

From Hespress · () Arabic

Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A recent survey found that 42% of UK participants are reducing their use of AI chatbots, with over half believing the technology poses significant risks.
  • The most common reason cited for reducing AI use is concern over data privacy and security, followed by a preference for existing work methods.
  • Researchers noted that people are resisting AI, with a growing number feeling unable to avoid its use, raising questions about consent in a society increasingly reliant on the technology.

Concerns over privacy and a preference for traditional methods are driving a growing resistance to artificial intelligence, according to a new survey. The study, conducted by the Digital Futures Institute at King's College London and the AI Organization UK, revealed that 42% of participants have begun limiting their use of AI chatbots.

People are resisting artificial intelligence.

— Researchers from the Digital Futures Institute and AI Organization UKSummarizing the findings of a survey on AI usage and public perception.

More than half of those surveyed expressed significant concerns about the technology, with a notable increase in the proportion believing AI's risks outweigh its benefits. This sentiment has shifted the optimistic view of AI down to 34%.

The most common reason for reducing AI use is concern about data privacy and security, and compliance with regulations; while the second is a preference for continuing to work in the current way.

— King's College LondonExplaining the primary drivers behind users' reduced engagement with AI tools.

Researchers highlighted that people are actively pushing back against AI, with a common complaint being the lack of control over its use. Many feel compelled to engage with AI tools, particularly chatbots, without a clear way to opt out. This raises critical questions about informed consent in an increasingly AI-integrated society.

Most people believe it will be difficult or impossible for them to avoid exposure to artificial intelligence even if they wanted to; raising questions about how people can effectively consent to its use in today's society.

— ResearchersHighlighting concerns about the lack of user control and the implications for consent.

Despite the booming stock market driven by AI-related companies, the study suggests that the assumption that familiarity breeds affection for new technology is flawed. Even strong AI proponents are showing increased anxiety and reluctance in their usage. Experts emphasize the need for effective controls, allowing users to choose when and how they interact with AI, and providing clear mechanisms for withdrawal.

Technology companies that sell us new technology often assume that the more people get used to this technology, the more they will love it... but our results show that this assumption is not correct; the strongest AI proponents have become more concerned about it over time, and have even become its most reluctant users.

— Jack Stilgoe, King's College LondonChallenging the industry's assumption about user adoption of AI.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hespress in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog