Study: Indonesians trust big tech to create ethical automation solutions instead of govt

The majority of Indonesians (70%) trust big, established tech companies such as Meta, Apple, Netflix, and Google to develop ethical automation solutions over small ones. According to YouGov, this is in line with consumer sentiments globally. Although Indonesians are less likely to trust smaller or emerging tech companies to create ethical automation solutions, YouGov said their faith in non-governmental public-serving organisations and foreign governments is the least in this regard. Therefore, building trust and credibility will be crucial for institutions to reinforce positive consumer sentiment.

While big tech firms are at an advantage compared to smaller private entities, YouGov said they will need to go further. While trust is higher for big tech globally compared to other tech entities, the percentage that trusts big tech worldwide is still only at 32%. Hence, there is certainly an upside possibility to improve perception and emotion related to the topic. 

The results are part of YouGov's whitepaper titled "Automation and Artificial Intelligence Report 2021", which explores sentiments and perceptions towards AI across 17 geographies and 19,000 consumers, and aims to help public and private sector organisations plan, while acknowledging and empathising with human aspirations and concerns.

The data shows beliefs about the impact of automation on society skew most strongly towards positive feelings among Indonesians. Two in five consumers in Indonesia (41%) stated "optimism" as their feeling towards AI and automation, and slightly fewer chose "hope" and "excitement" to describe their thoughts. In comparison to this very few chose fear, confusion and unnecessary to describe their feelings towards automation.

According to YouGov, 32% of Indonesians believe the impact of AI on society will be 'more positive than negative', while many more believe it will be equally positive and negative (48%).

However, when compared to those who claim to be well informed about the technology, the number that foresees a “positive impact from AI” dramatically increases (to 41%), highlighting the correlation of knowledge and awareness with a positive outlook towards AI.

Outside of Singapore, India, and UAE, respondents do not trust their governments (or foreign ones) with the responsibility of developing AI and automation. According to YouGov, civil services will inevitably have to adopt automation but positive consumer sentiment needs to be reinforced.

At a personal level, Indonesians seem comfortable with automation in most areas barring a few. They seem most comfortable with automation in their homes, for online shopping, news & media, travel, mobility and investments, but prefer a human-led approach in areas such as medical consultations and education.

When it comes to industries, Indonesians believe transportation and mobility, communications, banking and financial service, education and manufacturing will be most greatly impacted by AI. On the other hand, only a small proportion of respondents believe the effect will be profound to the fields of home, city planning and government.

Only 10% of consumers globally claim they have enough knowledge of AI and automation. According to YouGov, consumers are "operating on a minimal level of understanding", and education and positive outlook are correlated. Hence, more information is required to validate the hypothesis that education equals better outlook.

Photo courtesy: 123RF