Gallup poll reveals widespread global AI optimism, not doom and gloom

People around the world are largely optimistic about artificial intelligence , according to a new Gallup poll.

At the same time, a majority of respondents reported they've never actually used the new technology.

The Gallup-Microsoft AI survey , published Sept.

23 as part of the polling company's ongoing research with Microsoft, found that positive feelings about AI outweigh negative ones in 34 of the first 37 countries to complete fieldwork this year.

The United States, Egypt, and Palestine were the only exceptions.

Gallup says the study will eventually cover 140 countries.

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Curiosity was the most common response, with a median of 64 percent saying AI makes them feel curious.

Worry was the most common negative emotion, at a median of 32 percent.

Views on AI's broader impact were also mostly positive.

In 29 countries, more people said AI would mostly help their country than harm it.

The contrast between the United States and China was particularly revealing: 93 percent of Chinese respondents said AI will help their country.

The United States ranked near the bottom, at 36 percent, just above Egypt and Bangladesh.

Gallup noted that optimism doesn't always track with usage.