The cognitive gap about AI is increasingly clear
The annual report on artificial intelligence from Stanford University (USA) released on April 13 (local time) shows the growing difference between the views of experts and the public on this technology.
According to reports, concerns about AI are increasing, especially in the US. People are increasingly concerned about specific impacts such as jobs, living costs and impacts on essential sectors such as healthcare and the economy.
Meanwhile, many experts in the industry focus on long-term issues, such as overall artificial intelligence (AGI) management, which is a theoretical form of AI that can perform all tasks like humans.
Data from Gallup (a famous US analysis and consulting company specializing in public opinion polls, social research and data analysis) also shows that Generation Z is leading the trend of concern about AI.
Although about half of young people use AI daily or weekly, they are becoming less optimistic and tend to react more negatively.
This reflects a paradox that AI is increasingly popular but user trust does not increase correspondingly.
Some extreme reactions on social networks recently also show tension. After incidents related to Mr. Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI), a part of online users even expressed support for negative behaviors, surprising the technology world.
A report by Stanford University citing data from the Pew Research Center (an independent, non-profit research organization based in the United States) shows that only 10% of Americans are excited about AI, while 56% of experts believe that this technology will have a positive impact in the next 20 years.
This difference is clearly shown in many fields, including:
84% of experts believe AI brings benefits, but only 44% of people agree.
73% of experts are optimistic, while only 23% of the public shares the same view.
69% of experts rated positively, compared to only 21% of people with the same opinion.
Nearly 64% of Americans worry that AI will reduce the number of jobs in the future, contrary to the optimism of experts.
Trust in AI management is still low
According to data from Ipsos (a market research and public opinion company), only 31% of Americans believe that the government can manage AI effectively, the lowest level among countries surveyed. Meanwhile, Singapore reached 81%.
In addition, 41% of respondents believe that federal regulations on AI are not strong enough, showing a need to strengthen management of this technology.
Despite many concerns, in fact AI still receives positive reviews on a global scale. The percentage of people who believe that AI products and services bring more benefits than harms has increased from 55% in 2024 to 59% in 2025.
However, the Stanford report emphasizes that for AI to develop sustainably, it is necessary to narrow the cognitive gap between experts and the public. This requires greater transparency from technology companies as well as appropriate management policies.
