A new survey of Irish public sentiment shows that just 26% of respondents trust artificial intelligence (AI) and only 20% are trusting of genetically modified foods.
The 2024 Ireland edition of Edelman's annual Trust Barometer also reveals that green energy is trusted by 65% of respondents but despite recent advances in personalised medicine, the report shows that just 42% of Irish respondents trust gene-based medicine.
The findings also point to a role for scientists to demystify AI, as 71% of respondents say they trust scientists to provide truthful information about innovation and technology.
Now in its 24th year, the Edelman Trust Barometer measures trust in four institutions - business, government, NGOs and the media. The 2024 edition surveyed over 32,000 respondents in 28 countries, including around 1,150 people in Ireland.
The latest survey shows that there is widespread concern about how innovation is being introduced and managed across society. The Ireland findings show that 42% of respondents believe innovation is being mis-managed compared to 21% who feel it is well-managed. This sentiment is shared across income, gender and age demographics.
Meanwhile, the rapid evolution of technology also raises serious concerns for respondents, with 83% of Irish employees worried about job loss.
73% of those surveyed in Ireland are also concerned about hackers and hackers are now of greater concern to Irish respondents than climate change and inflation, both at 70%.
"We are living in a period of unprecedented change with new technologies and innovations set to have a positive impact on how we live and work. However, people have real concerns about how rapidly evolving technology like AI will affect jobs as well as its impact on wider society," Joe Carmody, CEO of Edelman Ireland, said.
"By a margin of two-to-one, Irish respondents believe innovation is being mis-managed. This finding indicates that there is a high level of distrust in how innovation is being explained and introduced," he stated.
"We generally fear what is unknown and it is clear from the Trust Barometer that we need to better explain the positive impact that innovation can have in people’s day-to day-lives," he added.
Today's study also shows that in Ireland, government and business are the two most trusted institutions to introduce innovation into society.
57% of Irish respondents said they would have greater trust in business on technology-led changes if business works in partnership with government - a 30-point increase since 2015. This is a far higher increase than the global average, which has risen 15 points since 2015 to reach 60% this year.
"The research also shows 85% of Irish respondents want business and government to listen to their concerns and to let them ask questions. By giving them a voice, both institutions can earn the public’s trust to manage innovation. Facilitating two-way communication plays a key role in reassuring people that they can control how innovation affects their lives. Consequently, they will be more likely to embrace these changes," Mr Carmody added.
