Keywords: public opinion, artificial intelligence, governance, future of work

Currently and historically, the public’s opinion to some extent shapes the development of technology and its policy framework. In that context, the public’s opinion may be critical to the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI). Across the world, credible survey research shows that the public is increasingly becoming aware of artificial intelligence. Public opinion research is useful to policy makers and developers to design AI products that serve the public interest and enhance the welfare of society. This paper is focused on three main objectives as follows: to determine the public’s level of knowledge and understanding about artificial intelligence and the extent to which it (knowledge and understanding) is a boon and bane in terms of AI governance; to ascertain the extent to which the public’s knowledge of AI influences public trust in AI; and to examine how public opinion research about the application areas of artificial intelligence (especially pertaining to the future of work) may work in the public interest and ultimately promote the governance of AI. The paper is based on a unique dataset from the IPSOS Artificial Intelligence Monitor 2024: A 32-country Ipsos Global Advisor Survey. This global survey includes countries such as: Unites States, Canada, Great Britain, Sweden, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Peru, Turkey, India, Brazil, and others. The survey was conducted online in April-May, 2024, with a sample size of about 23, 685. The main relevant concepts for this study are: AI knowledge; AI understanding, trust in AI; AI governance; future of work; gender, age, level of education, income, generation (baby boomer, gen X, millennial, gen Z). The analytical strategy is descriptive statistics and correlations coupled with graphical illustrations. It is anticipated that higher levels of knowledge and understanding may correlate with higher levels of trust and potentially greater acceptance for AI applications, especially in the context of the future of work. The findings will no doubt provide the much-needed insight into public opinion toward AI and the extent to which it is a boon or bane.