A new global survey from Ipsos and Google reveals that attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) are trending positive as its use becomes more widespread.
This is an improvement from early surveys that revealed high apathy in AI adoption as users focused more on the negative sides of the technology rather than giving it a chance.
The latest survey showed that AI is winning the adoption-concerns war with Nigerian online population showing strong enthusiasm for AI in various disciplines.
The study, “Our Life with AI: From innovation to application,” surveyed 21,000 people across 21 countries, finding that global AI usage has jumped to 48% and excitement about its potential at 57% now exceeds concerns measuring 43%, up from a 50-50 tie, last year.
In Nigeria, AI adoption and enthusiasm are even higher. The study found that 70% of the online population have used generative AI, surpassing the 48% global average. Moreover, 87% are excited about AI’s potential and see its benefits outweighing the risks, higher than global mean of 57%.
“AI is starting to deliver magic at scale, making people’s lives easier and better,” said Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs, Google & Alphabet. “Today’s survey results show the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional, and scientific breakthroughs on the way.”
AI Optimism on the Rise
The survey results indicate that optimism about AI is growing within the surveyed online community in Nigeria
Key findings are:
- Generative AI Use: Among survey participants in Nigeria, 70% reported using generative AI in the past year, which is significantly higher than the global average of 48%.
- Positive Outlook: A substantial 87% of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh the associated risks, suggesting a strong belief in the positive impact of AI.
- Economic Impact: A significant 81% of surveyed Nigerian adults believe AI will positively change the economy.
- Societal Impact: Furthermore, 90% of the survey respondents in Nigeria anticipate AI having a positive impact on science and medicine, demonstrating the widespread belief in the potential of AI to drive progress in these sectors.
How Nigeria Fares Versus Other Regions
Nigeria’s online population demonstrates a higher level of excitement and adoption of AI when compared to other regions.
The survey indicates that Nigeria is among the top countries in terms of AI usage and excitement about its potential, stating that this contrasts with more cautious sentiment in some European and North American countries.
The Nigerian online community sees immense potential for AI in science and medical advancements with a significant 90% of survey respondents betting on AI to have a positive impact on science and medicine.
The study shows this as one of the highest rates globally, highlighting the strong anticipation of breakthroughs in these fields through AI.
The report also shows AI as a tool for personal and professional growth as Nigerians recognise AI’s potential to enhance personal and professional development, while many believe AI can make people’s lives better by boosting productivity and providing access to resources.
Pro-Innovation Sentiments Prevail
Within the Nigerian online population surveyed, there is a prevailing sentiment that supports the fostering of AI advancement rather than restrictive regulations. This suggests that those surveyed are keen to embrace innovation.
Global Comparison of 2023 and 2024 Results
|
Oct. 2023 |
Oct. 2024 |
| AI usage (used an AI chatbot in last 12 months) |
38% |
48%* |
| AI excitement (vs. concern) |
50% |
57% |
| Economic impact (% who say AI will change the economy in a positive way) |
42% |
49% |
| Perception that AI-related job change will be positive (% who say it’s a “good thing” that AI will change jobs/industries in the next 5 years) |
52% |
58% |
| *Note that the 2024 sample expanded to include the following additional countries: Italy, Canada, Chile, South Korea, and Nigeria. |
Further Remarks
“Our latest multinational survey with Google shows that people view the continuing development of AI as important and exciting, but something that should be done thoughtfully,” said Ben Page, CEO, Ipsos. “We find that as more people use and gain experience with AI, they are better able to see how AI can help them and the possibilities that AI gives them.
“These results highlight the strong enthusiasm and optimism of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI.”
