AI is setting up to be one of the biggest disruptions in the history of humanity, but not all countries are viewing the changes in the same way.
A recent Ipsos survey has revealed a significant global divide in attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI), with Asian countries demonstrating considerably more excitement and less nervousness about the technology compared to their European counterparts. The findings, based on a survey of 23,216 online adults under 75 across 30 countries from a report published in June 2025, highlight a crucial divergence in public perception that could have far-reaching implications for AI adoption and innovation worldwide.
The survey, which polled respondents on their level of agreement with statements that “products and services using artificial intelligence make me nervous” and “products and services using artificial intelligence make me excited,” found a clear clustering of national sentiments.
The Enthusiastic East
Countries in Asia, alongside several in Latin America, are leading the charge in positive sentiment towards AI. Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia reported the highest levels of excitement, with close to 80% of respondents in these nations expressing positive feelings about AI-powered products and services. Other nations in this “More Positive” cluster include India, Turkey, Singapore, and Mexico, all of which showed excitement levels well above the 30-country average. Notably, these countries also reported lower to moderate levels of nervousness, suggesting a more optimistic and welcoming attitude towards the integration of AI into daily life.
A More Cautious Europe
In stark contrast, European nations are approaching AI with a greater degree of trepidation. Countries such as France, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden are grouped together with a higher-than-average level of nervousness and a lower level of excitement. This suggests a more skeptical public in Europe, which could translate into a more cautious approach to AI regulation and adoption from both consumers and policymakers.
The Anglosphere’s Ambivalence
The Anglosphere countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, find themselves in a middle ground. While generally more nervous than the 30-country average, they also report a moderate level of excitement. This ambivalent stance could reflect a more nuanced public discourse on AI, weighing both its potential benefits and risks.
Japan stands out as a notable outlier, reporting the lowest level of excitement among all surveyed countries, coupled with a moderate level of nervousness.
These findings underscore the diverse cultural and societal contexts shaping the global conversation on artificial intelligence. For businesses and technology leaders, this data is a critical reminder that a one-size-fits-all approach to AI development and deployment is unlikely to succeed. Understanding and addressing the specific hopes and fears of different populations will be paramount to fostering trust and driving the next wave of AI innovation.