The AI Divide: Half of Canadians Now View Artificial Intelligence as a Significant Threat

A striking new poll reveals a growing apprehension among Canadians regarding artificial intelligence, with exactly half of the population now perceiving AI as a threat. This sentiment marks a significant shift from just three years ago when the Angus Reid Institute conducted a similar survey, highlighting a rapid evolution in public perception.

The latest findings indicate a substantial increase in caution: in 2021, only 39 per cent of Canadians viewed AI as a threat.

Conversely, the proportion of those who see AI primarily as an opportunity has declined from 61 per cent to 50 per cent over the same period, mirroring the rise in negative sentiment. This nearly even split underscores a nation grappling with the dual nature of AI's burgeoning influence.

Age appears to be a key factor in this perception gap.

Younger Canadians, specifically those aged 18 to 34, demonstrate a notably more optimistic outlook, with 66 per cent viewing AI as an opportunity. However, this optimism wanes considerably with age; among those 55 and older, a significant 65 per cent see AI more as a threat than a benefit. This generational divide suggests differing levels of exposure, understanding, and adaptability to new technologies.

Job displacement is a prominent concern fueling this apprehension.

A substantial 48 per cent of Canadians believe that AI will ultimately eliminate more jobs than it creates. Only 21 per cent hold the opposing view, while 31 per cent anticipate a balance between job creation and loss. This fear is not unfounded, as various industries grapple with the potential for automation to transform the workforce.

Beyond employment, the poll uncovers a range of specific anxieties.

A staggering 80 per cent of Canadians worry about AI being used for nefarious purposes, such as cybercrime or malicious attacks. Similarly, 79 per cent express concern over AI's role in amplifying the spread of misinformation and disinformation, a pertinent issue in today's digital landscape. The threat of AI being used to compromise privacy also registers high concern, with 75 per cent of respondents uneasy about this possibility.

Interestingly, despite these widespread concerns, when asked whether AI has made their personal lives better or worse, Canadians are almost evenly divided.

This nuanced response suggests that while the broader societal implications of AI are a source of worry, its direct impact on daily life is perceived differently, perhaps reflecting the varying ways individuals interact with AI technologies.

The rapid advancement of AI continues to provoke both excitement and fear.

This poll from the Angus Reid Institute serves as a critical barometer, indicating a society increasingly on edge about the potential downsides of a technology poised to reshape nearly every aspect of human existence. As AI continues its rapid development, understanding and addressing these growing public concerns will be paramount for policymakers and innovators alike.