Public Perception of AI: A Case Study in Greece

The way in which AI technology is understood and accepted by non-specialists will largely determine its impact and diffusion. There is therefore a need for ongoing research into public perception of the development of AI and its impact on different areas of human life. Our study seeks to explore the perceptions of 193 non-experts as to whether they are positive or negative about specific developments that reflect the impact of AI in areas of personal and professional life, as well as in society in general. They are also asked to give their opinion on the likelihood of these developments occurring in the future. As a result of the study, a criticality map shows the developments for which participants say they find opportunities for themselves and society and those for which different decision-makers and R&D need to address people’s concerns and meet their needs. Comparing our results with those of a similar study in Germany, our study seems to confirm that people’s expectations and evaluations of AI depend (i) on the characteristics of the group of participants (ii) on the culture and socio-economic context in which the participants live and (iii) on the context in which AI is implemented (e.g., education vs. labor market).