AI in 2026: Ipsos AI Monitor Reveals Global Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has become part of everyday life, but confidence in it is still a work in progress. According to the Ipsos AI Monitor 2026, more than half of people (54%) say AI has already changed their daily lives, while an even larger share (66%) expects it to have an even greater impact over the next three to five years. Yet, trust continues to lag adoption: 63% of people say they don't always trust AI tools, even though they use them anyway, and only 31% trust AI enough not to check its work.  

One of the clearest benefits of AI in 2026 is its impact on productivity. 62% of workers say artificial intelligence has helped them save time at work during the past year. However, this progress comes with uncertainty. More than one in three workers worry that AI could replace their job within the next five years. The findings suggest that while AI is making work easier, many people are still wondering what the future of work will look like. 

How geography shapes hopes, fears, and expectations around artificial intelligence 

The Ipsos research shows that opinions about artificial intelligence vary widely depending on where people live. Countries across Asia-Pacific and Latin America tend to be the most optimistic, often viewing AI as an opportunity to accelerate innovation and economic growth. In contrast, people in Europe and North America are generally more cautious, expressing greater concerns about trust, regulation, and preserving existing jobs. These regional differences remind us that the conversation around AI is shaped not only by technology, but also by economic and social expectations. 

The excitement surrounding AI hasn't disappeared, but it has become more measured. Compared with last year, optimism has declined in 17 of the 28 countries tracked by Ipsos research, suggesting that people are taking a more balanced view of artificial intelligence. Rather than seeing AI as either entirely positive or entirely negative, many now recognize both its remarkable potential and its real challenges. The conversation is evolving from hype to thoughtful consideration. 

Trust continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing AI in 2026. Beyond concerns about jobs, people are increasingly questioning how AI systems are governed, their environmental impact, and whether commercial interests influence the answers they generate.  

Nearly half of respondents (46%) say they would trust a generative AI tool less if its responses were influenced by advertisers. These findings suggest that transparency and responsible AI development will be just as important as technological innovation in shaping public confidence. 

As AI in 2026 continues to transform our daily lives, one thing is clear: people are neither fully embracing nor rejecting technology. Instead, they're carefully weighing its opportunities against its risks. Productivity gains, new possibilities, and innovation are driving adoption, while trust, transparency, and job security remain key concerns. Understanding this balance will be essential as artificial intelligence continues to shape the future of work and the world around us. 

The world of artificial intelligence is evolving fast and your opinion matters. Join Ipsos iSay and take part in surveys that help researchers understand how people use AI, what they think about it, and what concerns them most. Your voice could be part of the next global AI study. 

Source: The Ipsos AI Monitor 2026. Base: 23,532 adults aged 18–74 across 32 countries, interviewed March 20, 2026 – April 3, 2026.