Indians, as revealed by the Ipsos AI Monitor 2024, hold a unique and positive perspective on artificial intelligence (AI), seeing it as a benefit rather than a harm. Their cautious approach to implementing AI further underscores this viewpoint, a characteristic that sets them apart in the global AI landscape.

Labour-intensive market

India maintains a reasonable and cautious stance towards AI as a labour-intensive market, in contrast to the strong enthusiasm seen in other global markets. The Ipsos AI Monitor 2024 data reveals that while 64% of urban Indians have a satisfactory comprehension of AI, this figure is slightly lower than countries like Indonesia (86%), Mexico (80%), Peru (76%), South Africa (76%), Thailand (75%), and Türkiye (74%). It places India at the 23rd position worldwide in terms of AI understanding.

AI products and services

62% of Indians have indicated awareness of AI products and services, which is lower than the higher awareness in China (81%) and Indonesia (80%). However, only 51% of Indians feel apprehensive about AI, which is lower compared to the levels of apprehension reported in Ireland (67%), New Zealand (66%), Great Britain (64%), the United States (64%), and Australia (63%). Notably, a significant % of Indians, precisely 63%, express enthusiasm towards AI products and services. This level of excitement is much higher in China (80%), Indonesia (76%), Thailand (76%), and South Korea (73%). In addition, most Indians (62%) believe AI offers more advantages than disadvantages. This view is even more pronounced in China (83%), Indonesia (80%), and Thailand (80%).

Trust in AI

Urban Indians have a reasonably high faith in AI, as evidenced by 60% expressing trust in organizations utilizing AI to safeguard personal data. Additionally, 63% of urban Indians believe AI will not engage in discriminatory or biased behaviour. This level of trust is comparable to those in individuals exhibiting non-discriminatory behaviour, indicating a well-rounded perspective on technology and human conduct. On a global scale, the level of faith in AI's ability to avoid discrimination is marginally higher (54%) than the level of trust in humans (45%).

AI in lifestyle

Regarding AI's influence on everyday life, 65% of Indians claim that AI has had a significant and transformative effect on their lives in the last 3-5 years. Additionally, an equal amount of individuals anticipate that AI will continue to profoundly impact their lives in the next 3-5 years. However, 26% of individuals believe that AI would alter how they perform their current job within the next five years. Notably, there is a greater level of anxiety in Indonesia, where 44% of individuals share this belief, while in Thailand and China, the percentages are lower at 28% and 21%, respectively.

AI in recruitment

Regarding job replacement, 54% of urban Indians believe that there is a high probability that AI could take over their current employment within the next five years. This sentiment is even more widespread in Thailand (69%), Indonesia (66%), Turkey (63%), and Malaysia (62%). Despite apprehensions, a significant number of Indians hold positive views regarding the benefits of AI. Specifically, 46% feel that AI will enhance their employment prospects, 49% anticipate a reduction in online disinformation, 48% predict a more favourable job market, and 52% foresee improvements in the economy, entertainment alternatives, work efficiency, and personal health as a result of higher utilization of AI.

Source: Ipsos AI Monitor 2024

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