Public Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in 20 Countries: Assessing Individual- and Country-Level Factors

Despite the recent surge in research on public acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI), there is limited understanding of how broader socio-cultural contexts shape perceptions of AI. Drawing on the social psychology literature and Hofstede’s dimensional model of national culture, this study examined how individual- and country-level factors influence public opinions about AI. Based on a multilevel analysis of cross-sectional survey data from 20 countries (N = 24,790), our results showed that public perceptions of AI were primarily explained by individual characteristics, with the male gender, younger age, higher education, and lower religious beliefs being more strongly associated with favorable perceptions. Additionally, individuals with higher trust in government and scientists were more likely to view AI positively. At the national level, individuals from countries with higher levels of power distance and individualism were less likely to express favorable perceptions of AI. The higher the level of indulgence, the less favorable the view of AI became. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.