Consumers looking for education as AI infiltrates our world

Consumers lack a full understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and are looking to businesses, government and academia for education, according to a FleishmanHillard report. The report highlights that 61% of all those surveyed believe the responsibility for educating the public about AI should be shared.

The report, ‘Artificial Intelligence & Communications, The Fads. The Fears. The Future’, surveyed consumers across the United States and the United Kingdom about their current sentiment on AI.

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It also asked a panel of 25 global experts in the AI field to provide their perspectives on the key areas where AI is impacting our world.

The result is a snapshot of the public’s attitudes on AI that analyzes common fears and opportunities, providing organizations with insights into how their audiences want them to engage going forward.

“The universal takeaway is that if the technology industry is to build public trust, we need to address the AI knowledge gap fast,” said Sophie Scott, global managing director of FleishmanHillard’s technology sector group.

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“We need to reassure both businesses and consumers that AI is not about remote science-fiction style gadgets in 2050. It’s about tools – now and today – that can drive productivity, boost profitability and, done correctly, help everyone live better lives.”

AI momentum is just starting to build, yet more than half of global consumers (56%) already say that it needs more regulation and restrictions. However, with proper education, these concerns may be tempered.

The study found a strong appetite for further knowledge, with 53% of respondents saying they believe that education about the role of AI in society needs to improve.

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“The study found that regardless of age group, consumers are looking to a combination of stakeholders from business, government and academia to help educate the public,” Scott said.

“It’s not enough to build the AI system, product or solution. We need to take an active role in helping consumers understand what AI is, how it works and its implications.”