Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made headlines for years. But now, the conversation is shifting. Do we trust AI, or are we starting to doubt it? World renowned Futurologist, Professor Rocky Scopeletti, joined Doug on Table Talk to discuss this growing trust crisis. Here’s what you need to know.

Trust Is Shifting

“For a while, research showed people were trusting technology more than governments or businesses,” Professor Rocky explains. One major study, the Edelman Trust Barometer, has tracked trust levels for 25 years, and revealed that trust in institutions, like governments and leaders, has steadily declined. Ironically, people are now starting to distrust AI, too.

One shocking statistic highlights the issue. “Nearly 70% of people believe leaders are deliberately misleading them,” says Rocky. Social media and other media outlets may have accelerated this feeling, because people are craving authenticity. Rocky points out, “We’re moving from asking, ‘Who do we trust?’ to ‘What do we trust?’”

A Desire for the Genuine

There’s a growing demand for real, tangible things like analog photography or hand-painted art. Rocky believes the same is happening with news and information. “People want to find trustworthy voices. They want to know they’re getting the genuine article,” he says.

Crisis of Grievance

One term from the Edelman report stands out: a “crisis of grievance.” Rocky explains that scepticism and distrust are manifesting online in dangerous ways, including the spread of misinformation and even violent behaviour. A worrying number of people support this. “Four in ten people approve of hostile activism,” Rocky shares. It’s a concerning sign of how easily technology can be misused.

Global Differences in Trust

Interestingly, trust in AI varies worldwide. In countries like China, trust in AI is higher compared to the US or Australia. Why? “We tend to follow the US and other democracies,” Rocky says. In China, strict government control over information influences public trust differently. There’s also a demographic divide. “Men trust AI more than women, and younger generations trust it more than older ones,” he adds.

Misinformation Concerns

One of the biggest worries? AI-driven misinformation. Over 60% of people fear fake news created by AI tools. “These platforms give those who spread misinformation a direct pathway to us,” Rocky says. “That’s why editorial integrity and independent journalism remain crucial.“

Fear of Job Displacement

Another source of anxiety is job loss. AI’s rapid growth has made many people concerned about their careers. “Job displacement and AI have become synonymous,” Rocky admits. But there’s another side to the story. “We need to focus on filling new skill gaps. Lifelong learning is the key.” He stresses that adapting to new roles and continuously learning will help people stay prepared.

How Do We Rebuild Trust?

So, how do we rebuild trust in an AI-driven world? Transparency and accountability play a vital role. Rocky believes future apps and services will help by verifying whether something was created by AI. “There’s also a need for government regulation to ensure consumer protections,” he says. Simple measures like disclosing when AI is used can make a big difference.

AI isn’t going away. However, how we interact with it and trust it will continue to evolve. As Professor Rocky puts it, “The challenge is making sure we can trust the information we receive, while still embracing the benefits technology offers.”

Listen to the full interview with Professor Scopeletti below.