A recent survey conducted by Salesforce and YouGov of 1,500 desk workers across four continents found that American office workers are more likely than the global average to describe themselves as skeptics of artificial intelligence.
What the survey measured and discovered
According to the poll, US workers were 43% more likely than the global average to identify as AI skeptics; more than half of respondents in the United States labeled themselves that way. By contrast, respondents in India reported both trust in AI and daily use exceeding 80%. In the United States, both trust and daily use hovered around 50%.
The survey also found strong optimism in emerging economies: 90% of workers in those markets expected AI to boost their careers.
Why this matters
The results suggest that proximity to AI development or use does not automatically produce greater trust. Analysts interpreting the data argue that optimism correlates with one’s position on the economic ladder rather than mere exposure: workers nearer the top of white‑collar hierarchies — such as many US office employees — perceive AI as a greater personal risk, while those lower down may view the same technologies as opportunities to advance.
The survey contextualizes these attitudes within corporate messaging as well: US executives often emphasize AI tools’ efficiency and cost‑saving potential, which can heighten concerns about job displacement and the distribution of economic gains.
Conclusions
Salesforce and YouGov’s findings indicate significant cross‑country variation in attitudes toward AI. While trust and daily use are high in places like India, skepticism is notably greater among US office workers. The divergence appears tied to how individuals assess the personal risks and benefits that AI adoption poses to their careers.
