Trust has emerged as a pivotal factor in the development and adoption of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). A recent examination of AI’s interplay with trust has highlighted significant differences in attitudes towards this technology between Europe and the United States. As AI continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly critical to understand these attitudes, particularly in light of the responsibilities that come with entrusting AI systems with tasks traditionally managed by humans, such as medical procedures and decision-making in complex environments like defense.
The implications of trust for technology adoption are profound; without confidence in the systems that govern rapid technological advancements, societal acceptance may falter. Two key surveys paint a contrasting picture of public sentiment towards AI: one conducted by the Pew Research Center in the United States and the other by Deloitte across several European nations. These studies reveal not only the level of optimism in Europe but also highlight troubling skepticism prevalent in the U.S.
According to the Pew survey conducted in April 2025, only 17% of Americans believe AI will have a positive impact on their lives over the next two decades. In stark contrast, the Deloitte survey reports that 59% of Europeans are optimistic about the potential benefits of generative AI. This significant disparity—a 42 percentage point difference—suggests a deeper cultural and regulatory divide regarding the perceived role and reliability of artificial intelligence in everyday life.
The data further illustrates this divide. Only 11% of respondents in the U.S. expressed more excitement than concern regarding AI, whereas 51% indicated a higher level of concern. Additionally, meager confidence in AI’s potential to enhance business operations is evident, with just 1% of Americans believing that AI can help improve products and services. Conversely, a substantial 66% of European respondents foresee AI leading to better work experiences.
While the methodologies of the two surveys differ, their findings converge to indicate that the level of public trust directly affects acceptance of AI technologies. For stakeholders—including business and political leaders in both regions—fostering trust could be instrumental in bridging the optimism-pessimism gap.
A critical understanding emerges when considering regulatory frameworks, especially the European Union’s recent implementation of the EU AI Act. This legislation stands in stark contrast to the regulatory landscape in the United States, where no equivalent framework exists at either the federal or state level. The absence of comprehensive regulation has contributed to a climate of ambivalence regarding AI in America, evidenced by the Pew survey showing that 58% of respondents believe AI is insufficiently regulated. In Europe, the proportion of individuals desiring similar regulatory measures is notable, with 53% agreeing that generative AI would be more widely adopted if government oversight were present.
Further insights from the Deloitte survey reveal that 51% of Europeans trust organizations to use generative AI responsibly, compared to only 32% of Americans who share similar faith in their domestic counterparts. Although these questions do not explicitly link trust levels to the regulatory landscape, the findings suggest a profound correlation. The 19 percentage point advantage in trust toward businesses using AI responsibly is a telling indicator of how regulations can shape public perception.
Nevertheless, the call for more regulation does not automatically equate to trust in government, as both surveys reveal a significant gap between desire for regulatory oversight and confidence in governmental capacity to enforce it. In Europe, just 50% of respondents expressed faith in their governments to effectively regulate AI, a figure that starkly contrasts with the 28% confidence level found in the United States—30 percentage points lower than those who advocate for more regulation.
Navigating these complex sentiments requires understanding that public trust in AI is not merely about technology or regulation; it must also encompass the relationship individuals have with both businesses and governments. The surveys illustrate a mutual need for regulatory frameworks that not only provide guidelines for AI use but also foster trust between all stakeholders.
To successfully increase public trust in AI, businesses and governments must prioritize trust alongside technological progress. This entails creating partnerships among industries, government, and the public—what could be termed a three-way trust-building initiative. Such collaborations can facilitate dialogue and transparency, essential elements for cultivating the confidence necessary for broader AI acceptance and integration into daily life.
Looking forward, the lessons from Europe’s regulatory approach offer a notable blueprint for the United States. By examining successful strategies employed in Europe, American policymakers and business leaders may find essential insights necessary to address the skepticism surrounding AI and navigate the path forward. As technological advancements define the modern era, the imperative remains clear: without public trust, the full societal advantages of AI—and the potential for transformative impact—may remain agonizingly out of reach. The stakes are high for both regions; accordingly, industry and government must come together with a united front to ensure the sustainable and ethical adoption of AI technologies globally.