Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved from the periphery to the mainstream, revolutionizing industries, reshaping workforces, and redefining how people interact with technology. But despite its growing presence, a new global study by KPMG reveals a critical trust gap in public perception of AI—particularly in advanced economies—raising questions about the pace of adoption, education, and governance.
Widespread use, lingering skepticism
While two-thirds of people worldwide (66%) report using AI tools regularly, more than half (54%) remain wary of trusting these systems. The study uncovers a nuanced perspective: people are more confident in AI’s technical ability than in its safety, security, or broader societal impact. Interestingly, 72% of respondents say they accept the use of AI, showing a coexistence of optimism and anxiety.
This ambivalence is more pronounced in developed countries. In advanced economies, only 39% of people trust AI compared to 57% in emerging economies. Similarly, acceptance rates stand at 65% in advanced regions versus a strong 84% in emerging markets. The disparity highlights how economic, cultural, and educational factors may influence perceptions of technology.
Understanding and training lag behind use
Despite regular interaction with AI, many users lack the training to use it effectively. Globally, 61% of people say they have received no formal education on AI, and 50% admit to limited knowledge of how it works. This educational gap is especially pronounced in wealthier nations.
Emerging economies not only report higher AI use (80% vs. 58%) but also lead in AI training (50% vs. 32%) and knowledge (64% vs. 46%). Those who are younger, university-educated, high-income earners, or AI-trained tend to show higher trust, more frequent use, and better AI literacy.
The dual nature of AI’s impact
The public’s experience with AI is a blend of promise and peril. On the positive side, many users cite gains in efficiency, accessibility, decision-making, and innovation. AI is streamlining workflows, enhancing learning, and expanding access to services. However, significant concerns persist. Cybersecurity threats, privacy issues, job displacement, deskilling, and misinformation remain top of mind. Particularly in advanced economies, people are divided on whether the benefits of AI truly outweigh its risks—a debate that is likely to intensify as the technology becomes more embedded in daily life.
Strong demand for AI governance
One of the clearest takeaways from the KPMG report is the overwhelming public desire for regulation. A resounding 70% of people believe AI needs to be regulated, yet only 43% feel current legal frameworks are adequate.
Support is strong for international cooperation, with 76% advocating for global laws, 69% backing national government oversight, and 71% in favor of co-regulation between governments and industry. Additionally, 87% want regulation to include laws and fact-checking measures to combat AI-generated misinformation—a growing concern in the age of deepfakes and synthetic media.
AI at work: a productivity boost with caveats
AI adoption is growing rapidly in workplaces around the world. According to the study, 58% of employees now use AI regularly at work, with one-third using it weekly. Generative AI tools, often freely available online, are the most commonly used.
Yet, this rise in usage is not without friction. While over half of employees report improved performance, many also experience increased workload, reduced human interaction, and compliance challenges. Alarmingly, two in five workers fear AI could replace jobs in their area. Inappropriate or non-transparent AI use is common, often violating organizational policies and leading to errors or overreliance.
Governance and training in the workplace are struggling to keep pace with AI adoption, creating risks not only for productivity but also for corporate responsibility.
Students embrace AI—but at what cost?
Among students, AI usage is even more prevalent: 83%—mainly in tertiary education—use it regularly for their studies. They cite benefits such as increased efficiency, personalized learning, and reduced stress.
However, the same concerns seen in the workplace are surfacing in classrooms. The report notes widespread inappropriate or complacent use of AI, raising red flags about over-dependence, diminished critical thinking, and fairness in assessments. Only half of students say their education provider offers adequate AI policies or support, pointing to an urgent need for academic institutions to catch up.
The road ahead: trust through education and regulation
As AI continues to shape the future, the KPMG report underscores a key challenge: the technology is outpacing the systems meant to guide its responsible use.
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