29% In The U.S. & Canada Used AI Last Year

A new Google-Ipsos report shows that AI adoption is increasing globally, especially in emerging markets.

However, study reveals challenges such as regional divisions, gender differences and slower adoption in developed countries.

Critics, including Nate Hakefounder of Travel Lemming, point out that Google ignores these challenges in its report coverage.

Extracts from Google’s AI Ipsos survey when you look at PR spin 👓👇

1) 71% of Americans have not even used Generative AI in 2024
2) 58% of Americans think AI is unlikely to benefit them
3) There is a worrying gender gap in the use of artificial intelligence
4) American society is deeply concerned… https://t.co/dSZEtXsDoG

— Nate Hake (@natejhake) January 16, 2025

Although optimism around artificial intelligence is growing, it does not resonate with everyone.

Here’s a closer look at the report and what the numbers show.

AI is growing, but unevenly

Globally, 48% humans used generative artificial intelligence last year, with countries like Nigeria, Mexico and South Africa leading the way in adoption. These regions are also showing the most excitement about AI’s potential to boost economies and improve lives.

Adoption is delayed 29% in developed countries like USA and Canada, which means 71% people in these regions did not consciously use generative AI tools.

Optimism trumps worry

Globally, 57% people are excited about artificial intelligence, compared to 43% who are worried—a shift from the previous year, when excitement and worry were evenly split.

People cite the potential of artificial intelligence in science (72%) and medicine (71%) as reasons for their optimism. Respondents see opportunities for progress in healthcare and research.

However, in the US, skepticism remains – only 52% they believe AI will directly benefit “people like them”, compared to the global average 59%.

Gender differences still exist

The report highlights the gender gap in the use of artificial intelligence: 55% of global AI users are men compared to 45% women.

The disparity is even greater in workplace adoption, where 41% professional users of artificial intelligence are women.

Emerging markets are leading the way

Emerging markets use AI more and are more optimistic about its potential.

In regions like Nigeria and South Africa, people are more likely to believe that AI will transform their economies.

Meanwhile, developed countries like the US and the UK remain cautious.

Only 53% Americans favor AI innovation, compared to much greater enthusiasm in emerging markets.

Non-generative artificial intelligence

While generative AI tools like chatbots and content generators grab headlines, the public appreciates non-generative AI applications more.

These include AI for healthcare, fraud detection, flood forecasting, and other practical, high-impact use cases.

Generative AI, on the other hand, gets mixed reviews.

Writing, summarizing, or customer service applications don’t resonate as much with the public as AI’s potential to tackle larger social problems.

AI at work: young, affluent and male dominated

AI is making its way into the workplace. 74% AI users use it professionally for writing, thinking, and problem-solving tasks.

However, adoption of artificial intelligence in the workplace is skewed towards younger, wealthier and male workers.

Officials and senior professionals are catching up—67% AI of blue-collar users and 68% of workers aged 50 to 74 are using artificial intelligence at work—but the gender gap remains pronounced.

Confidence in AI is growing

Trust in AI governance is improving, with 61% people who believe their governments can responsibly regulate AI (from 57% in 2023).

72% support collaboration between governments and companies to manage the risks of artificial intelligence and maximize its benefits.

To take away

The use of artificial intelligence is growing worldwide, although many people in North America still don’t see much reason to use it.

To increase AI adoption, companies must build trust and clearly communicate the benefits of the technology.

For more details, see the full report at Google Public Policy.

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