AI ranks as the least trusted technology in widespread use, yet research shows the public remains open to persuasion
LONDON, OCTOBER 15, 2026
AI adoption is high, with 71% of adults surveyed having used an AI tool in the past six months - yet trust lags significantly. AI scores a net positive of just +18% behind social media which scores +35% and far behind smartphones (+74%), search engines (+78%), online banking (+69%) and streaming and entertainment platforms (+65%)
Views are largely consistent across markets with the exception of the UK where attitudes towards AI are measurably more negative.
Expert opinion on AI, among policymakers, is catching up with public scepticism, marking a significant shift from the optimism that characterised sector leaders six months ago.
The public remains persuadable: 37% of respondents reported a more positive overall view of AI, when presented with AI’s potential benefits.
When asked to select their top three benefits of AI, those that resonate most are practical and visible, such as everyday convenience (selected by 29%), expanding access to expert-level answers and knowledge (25%), solving complex problems (22%), and scientific breakthroughs (21%).
63% of the public believe AI safety should be prioritised above the global AI race.
New research published today by FGS Global reveals a striking paradox at the heart of public attitudes to AI: very high levels of use combined with deep reputational distrust. The FGS Radar AI Pulse report, based on nationally representative polling of 7,052 adults across Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, and 39 in-depth interviews with senior political, regulatory and business leaders, finds that AI has a worse brand reputation problem than any technology tested - including social media. It also shows that once people consider the benefits of AI, this reputation shifts significantly from negative to more positive.
Commenting on the report, Alex Geiser, Chief Executive Officer of FGS Global, said:
"The combination of widespread AI usage, public scepticism and a suddenly cautious political class is unlike anything we’ve seen with previous tech transitions. At the same time, high adoption rates coupled with real benefits mean the public is persuadable. The gap between usage and trust is the defining communications challenge for AI right now, and our research shows it’s entirely possible to close it. When people start to consider the many benefits that AI brings, their perspective shifts significantly.”
The report looks at: Perceptions of AI; The Global Race, Sovereignty and Safety; Regulation of AI; and Shifting the debate. Key findings include:
Usage of AI is now widespread: Nearly three-quarters of the public (71%) have used an AI tool in the past six months – with 9 in 10 of that 71% across all markets using AI to get information or answers to questions. Among AI users, 61% report using AI at work, although only 18% of people report using it at work most days. One in four are using it for financial advice, compared to 16% that use a financial adviser or wealth manager. AI usage is widespread in a number of other applications, including for health or well-being information (70%), creative work (65%), learning and education (62%), and travel and lifestyle (62%).
The public is persuadable: Despite some reputational challenge, FGS's research identifies a clear opportunity for AI. When members of the public are presented with its benefits, 37% became more positive — even accounting for those who report becoming more negative, this is a net shift of +26 percentage points. The benefits people found most compelling were practical and personal, including convenience, solving complex problems and scientific breakthroughs.
Across all seven markets, 63% of the public believe AI safety should be prioritised over the global race for AI leadership. Only 7% believe AI companies should be left to self-regulate on cybersecurity.
Expert opinion is shifting: The research shows a significant change in mood among senior policymakers. Experts who were broadly optimistic about AI six months ago now report heightened anxiety about risks, with cybersecurity incidents and geopolitical developments cited as turning points. Previous research by FGS had shown that the public was more negative about AI, with experts generally more positive. Although investors and industry experts remain optimistic, it appears that policy expert opinion is now moving closer to the public’s AI scepticism.
About FGS Global
FGS Global partners with the world's most influential leaders to move minds and markets.
Working where business, government, and public opinion intersect, we advise CEOs, boards, and leadership teams at the most consequential moments.
Our expertise spans strategic and financial communications, policy and public affairs, corporate reputation, crisis management, and data-driven digital engagement. Across 31 global offices, our partners draw on the full depth of the firm so clients can operate with clarity, act with confidence, and lead with trust.
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