AI viewed more favourably in leadership roles, survey finds

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly perceived as an integral part of society, with new roles and levels of trust being placed in technology, according to a recent survey by Kaspersky.

The survey, titled "Excitement, Superstition and Great Insecurity: How Global Consumers Engage with the Digital World," explored various aspects of AI's integration into daily life, including its potential as a manager and its impact on personal relationships.

The study revealed that a significant proportion of respondents view AI favourably in leadership roles. Specifically, 34% of those surveyed believe AI can be a better leader than human beings due to its perceived impartiality. This sentiment aligns with the broader trend of people preparing to incorporate AI into various facets of their lives. A notable 57% of respondents indicated they are willing to use AI to manage their daily tasks more efficiently.

The survey also highlighted the potential for AI to assist in personal matters, such as romantic relationships. About 31% of respondents expressed a readiness to use AI in helping them find the right partner on dating apps. This willingness extends into other domains, with 47% foreseeing a future where children are educated through virtual experiences and Metaverse environments.

Another key finding is that half of the surveyed individuals believe AI has already become an unavoidable part of their lives, with 43% holding a positive outlook on AI's potential to generate exciting opportunities and improve the future. The capabilities of AI in creative areas were also acknowledged, with 62% of respondents considering AI to be a credible producer of works of art.

Moreover, many respondents are open to more interactive uses of AI. Nearly half (48%) are prepared to engage with AI chatbots for online conversations. Some even foresee significant changes in human relationships, with 48% believing that AI's impact might lead to virtual characters replacing real-life partners.

Vladislav Tushkanov, Research Development Group Manager at Kaspersky, commented on the survey's findings, noting the expanding roles of AI beyond traditional applications. "We are witnessing the growing adoption of AI as a valuable tool, assisting people in diverse areas," Tushkanov said. He added, "Beyond traditional applications, such as processing and analysing data, AI is being entrusted with more intriguing personal roles, including romance, education, and work."

However, the rapid adoption and integration of AI come with their own set of challenges. According to Tushkanov, the advancement in AI technologies brings unexpected risks and sophisticated threats. These range from overreliance on AI advice to AI-generated phishing, deepfakes, and identity theft. He stressed the need to address these challenges at multiple levels to ensure that AI-driven technologies are safe and reliable.

To protect users from these AI-driven threats, Kaspersky recommends several measures. These include installing a trusted cybersecurity solution to guard against AI-enhanced phishing attacks, avoiding immediate trust in data or money requests that seem to come from friends or family, and using an online privacy checker to limit exposure to identity theft. Verifying the authenticity of requests through alternative communication methods is also a prudent step.

The survey, conducted by Arlington Research in June 2024, involved 10,000 respondents from various countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Kazakhstan, India, China, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa. The comprehensive results provide insights into global attitudes towards AI and its growing role in everyday life.