The results show a mix of confidence and optimism among Germans. Around 38 per cent of respondents answered the question “What is your general attitude to “artificial intelligence”? with “very positive or positive,” while only 16 per cent opted for “very negative or negative”. Almost half were undecided with 46 per cent replying “neutral”. The majority of respondents associate AI with autonomously acting and learning machines/programmes and robots. Interviewees expressed hope that the greatest benefit will come, for instance, from intelligent cleaning robots (46 per cent), smart home applications (42 per cent) or self-propelled cars (28 per cent), and from no longer having to perform routine tasks (76 per cent) or physically strenuous activities (81 per cent) at work.
Almost one in three Germans will have to decide in future whether to talk to a virtual bot or consult a real doctor, for instance, in the event of a high fever or an anxiety attack. While this is not yet the case, such a scenario is definitely possible in five years, according to the online survey “Spotlight: Artificial Intelligence” conducted by [m]Science from October 18- 25, 2018. The company is the main research unit of the GroupM advertising company. More than 2,000 adults aged 16 and over were interviewed about their experiences, wishes and hopes for AI as part of the survey.
Self-learning machines and robots
Innovative research thanks to KI
When asked about risks, interviewees focused on the loss of control and job hazards. Jobs in production/processing, logistics/transport and IT/data processing are particularly at risk while politics, art/entertainment and law will remain in human hands, the interviewees said. Around 64 per cent of those surveyed believe research is becoming more innovative, traffic jams are being reduced (61 per cent) and crimes are being solved faster (51 per cent) thanks to AI. On the other hand, 75 per cent of respondents fear reduced privacy, creativity (62 per cent) and humanity (63 per cent).
Your friend, the robot.
For many people, AI has long since become an almost self-evident part of their everyday lives and will continue to be so. This applies especially in the automotive, consumer electronics, telecommunications and medical sectors. Around 59 per cent of respondents expect AI to diagnose and cure diseases better. Digital helpers are also rated positively. Every fifth (18 per cent) person uses a fitness and health tracker at present and this number percentage is likely to rise to 44 per cent in five years, the survey found. Then, AI is likely to be so familiar that 32 per cent of respondents will seek medical advice from AI-controlled speech assistants and 15 per cent will talk to a bot rather than a psychotherapist. Around 14 per cent can even imagine a friendship with the intelligent systems.
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