Fears about artificial intelligence across 20 countries and six domains of application

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cross-cultural studies

Background:

• Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly integrated into various occupations, sparking public apprehension.
• Concerns regarding AI adoption range from legitimate developmental issues to psychological barriers hindering beneficial technology uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the psychological underpinnings of country-level variations in public fear of AI across different occupations.
• To develop and validate a psychological model predicting AI-related fears based on individual and cultural factors.

Main Methods:

• A preregistered study involving 10,000 participants from 20 countries.
• Data collected on individual perceptions of psychological traits required for occupations and AI's potential to possess them.
• Analysis focused on the mismatch between perceived occupational psychological needs and AI capabilities, moderated by cultural variations.

Main Results:

• Individual fears of AI in specific occupations correlate with the discrepancy between essential psychological traits and AI's perceived ability to exhibit them.
• Country-level variations in AI fears are predictable by combined cultural differences in psychological trait requirements and AI potential.
• Validation confirmed these predictions across six diverse occupations: doctors, judges, managers, care workers, religious workers, and journalists.

Conclusions:

• Public perception of AI in the workplace is significantly influenced by psychological mismatches and cultural contexts.
• Findings suggest a need for culturally sensitive strategies in AI development and communication, moving beyond Western-centric approaches.
• Understanding these psychological and cultural dynamics is crucial for facilitating the responsible and effective integration of AI technologies.