AI is a hot topic right now. Everyone is talking about its potential to drive economic growth, solve problems, and revolutionize industries. Governments, businesses, and tech companies are all hyping up AI as the future. But there’s a big problem holding things back—people don’t trust it.

This isn’t just some abstract concern. Public trust is the single biggest issue keeping AI from growing the way it could. A recent report by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and Ipsos highlights how a lack of trust in AI is a major obstacle to its widespread adoption. It’s not just a vague fear; it’s a real barrier that’s making it harder for AI to reach its full potential. Without trust, AI will remain something people are afraid of rather than something they embrace.

Trust in AI is Linked to Usage

It’s no surprise that trust is such a big issue. AI is something people don’t fully understand, and the headlines don’t exactly help. We read stories about AI replacing jobs, making biased decisions, or being used for surveillance, and it’s easy to see why people are skeptical. But here’s the thing—while trust in AI is low, adoption of the technology is happening quickly. Over half of people have used AI tools in the past year, which is a significant number for something that didn’t even exist in its current form a few years ago.

But here’s the catch: nearly half of the population still hasn’t used AI. That’s a huge gap in how people view the technology. The more someone uses AI, the more likely they are to trust it. It’s simple: if you’ve used AI and seen how it works, you’re more comfortable with it. But if you’ve never interacted with it, it’s easy to let fear and misconceptions take over. For example, 56% of people who have never used AI believe it’s a risk to society. But for those who use it regularly, that number drops to just 26%. That’s a clear sign that experience breeds trust. The more people engage with AI, the less they fear it.

A Divide Based on Age and Industry

But it’s not just about how much you use AI—it’s also about who you are. Younger people tend to be more open to AI, while older generations are more wary. This gap is especially evident in certain industries. For example, tech professionals are generally more positive about AI because they’re used to working with it. But in sectors like healthcare or education, the fear is much higher. These industries are more likely to be disrupted by AI, and people in those fields are understandably nervous. The fear is that AI will replace jobs or make their roles obsolete. But, in reality, these sectors stand to benefit a lot from AI—it’s just that people don’t trust it yet.

This divide between different generations and industries adds another layer to the trust issue. It’s not just about being familiar with the technology; it’s about being in a field that feels vulnerable to it. Professionals in tech are more likely to embrace AI because they see its potential to improve their work. Meanwhile, those in industries where AI is seen as a threat feel more resistant to it.

It’s Not About AI, It’s About What It Does

Here’s where it gets a bit tricky. People don’t necessarily have a problem with AI itself; they have a problem with how it’s being used. AI is more widely accepted when it has clear, direct benefits. For example, when AI is used to reduce traffic or assist in medical diagnostics, people are more comfortable with it because it improves their lives. They can see the real-world benefits, which builds trust.

But when AI is used to monitor employees or target political ads, trust starts to break down. People begin to feel like they’re being manipulated or surveilled, and that’s when the skepticism grows. This isn’t just about AI replacing jobs or doing tasks more efficiently; it’s about the role AI plays in society. If it’s used for the greater good, people are more likely to trust it. If it’s used to control or exploit, then trust goes out the window. People want AI to work for them, not against them. It’s about understanding the purpose behind the technology.

What Needs to Change?

So, what needs to happen for public trust in AI to improve? The good news is there’s a clear path forward. If the people behind AI want to build trust, they need to focus on a few key areas.

1. Stop Talking About GDP and Start Talking About People

Governments need to change how they talk about AI. Stop focusing on vague promises like boosting GDP or increasing efficiency. People don’t care about that. What they care about is how AI affects their daily lives. If AI can make healthcare more efficient, shorten commutes, or make public services easier to use, that’s where the conversation needs to be. When people see that AI is making their lives better, they’ll start to trust it more. It’s about focusing on real-world benefits, not abstract goals.

2. Prove That AI Works

It’s not enough to just say that AI will improve society. People need to see it. Governments and businesses should showcase how AI is already making things better. For example, is AI being used to reduce waiting times for medical appointments? Is it making public transportation more efficient? If people see tangible, positive changes, trust will grow. It’s all about demonstrating that AI is delivering on its promises, not just talking about its potential.

3. Make Sure AI Is Well-Regulated

Trust can’t exist without proper regulation. If people don’t believe that AI is being used responsibly, they won’t trust it. Governments need to ensure that there are clear rules in place about how AI can be used. These rules should be focused on protecting privacy, preventing exploitation, and ensuring that AI is used ethically. Without these safeguards, people will always be suspicious of AI. They need to know that AI won’t be misused by powerful corporations or governments.

4. Invest in Education and Training

A huge part of building trust is giving people the knowledge they need to feel confident using AI. If people don’t understand how AI works, they’re going to be afraid of it. Training programs are crucial. These programs should focus not just on how AI works, but also on how people can use it safely and effectively. The more people understand AI, the more likely they are to trust it. They need to know that they can use AI to improve their lives without compromising their privacy or security.

5. Use AI for the Right Reasons

Finally, if we want to build trust in AI, we need to make sure it’s being used for the right reasons. AI has incredible potential, but it has to be used ethically. If people see that AI is being used to improve society, whether it’s in healthcare, education, or transportation, they’ll be more likely to trust it. But if it’s being used to invade privacy, manipulate people, or increase corporate profits, trust will continue to be a problem. It’s all about using AI to serve the public, not just the bottom line.

What Happens If We Don’t Build Trust?

If we don’t tackle the trust issue, AI will continue to face resistance. People won’t engage with it, and businesses won’t invest in it. Even as the technology advances, people will avoid it if they don’t trust it. This will slow down its growth and limit its potential. Worse, without public trust, governments will likely impose stricter regulations that could stifle innovation.

If AI is going to reach its full potential, it needs to be widely adopted. And for that to happen, people need to trust it. Building trust isn’t just about showing that AI works; it’s about demonstrating that it’s being used for the right reasons and that there are clear regulations to ensure it’s not misused. Only then can AI truly flourish.

Conclusion

AI has the potential to transform industries, improve public services, and make life easier for everyone. But that can’t happen if people don’t trust it. The key to AI’s growth is building public trust. Governments, businesses, and regulators need to focus on showing the real-world benefits of AI, proving that it works, and ensuring that it’s used ethically and responsibly. If we do this, the public will come on board, and AI can live up to its promise. But without trust, AI will remain just a buzzword, unable to reach its full potential.