Study: US most afraid of AI, according to Google searches
Jenny Goldsberry
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A study found the United States topped the world in Google searches expressing concern over artificial intelligence.
Website Blocles4u used Google Keyword Planner to examine over 1,000 keywords surrounding AI and then gave each country a ranking based on the level of fear revealed by the searches. It counted a country’s volume of searches that included phrases such as “will AI,” “is AI,” “why AI,” “how AI,” “can AI,” “AI risk,” and “impact of AI” and then examined the growth of searches over the past three months.
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The U.S. had the most keywords, featuring 168 out of 1,000 found, giving it a “fear score” of 363, according to the study. Blocles4u suggested this was the case because the U.S. is the birthplace of many AI research organizations, including OpenAI. India, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Vietnam followed.
Worldwide, searches by Google users indicated suspicion of AI, the technology’s consciousness, its ethics, and its economic effects. The searches revealed concerns that teachers, animators, writers, data scientists, and doctors, among other workers, could be replaced by AI one day.
“While these fears are valid concerns, it’s crucial to focus on the positive aspects of AI as well. AI has the potential to improve our lives significantly, from enhancing healthcare to optimizing energy consumption,” the website wrote. “By addressing these fears and fostering a constructive dialogue, we can harness AI’s potential for the greater good while mitigating its risks.”
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has promised a legislative effort aimed at regulating the development of AI. Increased concern in Congress comes in light of an AI-generated campaign ad for President Joe Biden.
China has also shown concern over the technology, unveiling a draft of rules that sets restrictions for generative AI. The country was not included in the study as Google Search has not functioned there since 2010.