Similar to global attitudes becoming more positive about the use of AI, South Africa too demonstrates a growing embrace of AI, with adoption rates and enthusiasm on the rise, a global survey by survey company Ipsos and Internet services company Google shows.

The survey reveals that 55% of South Africans have used generative AI in the past year, marking a notable increase from 45% in 2023.

Further, a strong majority, at 71%, of South Africans express excitement about AI's potential, believing the benefits outweigh any potential concerns.

The global survey of 21 000 people across 21 countries by Ipsos and Google shows that attitudes towards AI are trending positive as its use becomes more widespread.

The survey also shows that global AI use has jumped to 48%, and excitement about its potential now exceeds concerns at 57% compared with 43% who are concerned, up from 50% excited about AI and 50% concerned about it in the prior year.

“AI is starting to deliver at scale, making people’s lives easier and better,” says Google and Alphabet global affairs president Kent Walker.

“Today’s survey results show that the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional and scientific breakthroughs on the way,” he says.

The survey indicates a significant increase in enthusiasm for AI within the South African online community, with 55% of survey respondents in South Africa report using generative AI in the last year.

Further, 63% of the surveyed online population in South Africa believe AI will positively change the economy.

South Africa is among the top markets in feeling excited about AI, with 71% of surveyed South Africans expressing excitement about AI's potential, compared with the global average of 57%.

Additionally, while there is excitement, South African online respondents also acknowledge potential risks, although these are outweighed by positive sentiment, the companies add.

Notably, the study also found that 78% of South African online respondents expect AI to positively impact science and medicine.

The survey highlights that a large proportion of the online community in South Africa are anticipating positive outcomes from AI in science and medical fields, the companies say.

These findings from the survey show a considerable excitement among the online population in South Africa about AI's potential to bring about positive change to the country, especially within the economy and healthcare sectors. The data suggests a growing embrace of AI within South Africa’s online community.

The surveyed online population in South Africa sees AI as a tool that can enhance both personal and professional lives, the companies say.

Many of the survey respondents believe AI will help people improve their productivity and provide access to information. There is also a strong interest in AI for problem-solving and productivity enhancements, the survey results show.

“Our latest multinational survey with Google shows that people view the continuing development of AI as important and exciting, but something that should be done thoughtfully,” highlights Ipsos CEO Ben Page.

“We find that, as more people use and gain experience with AI, they are better able to see how AI can help them and the possibilities that AI gives them,” he says.