Artificial Intelligence Threat: Examining Pop Culture's Anxiety and Its Basis for Concern
In a world where AI is increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives, a significant challenge persists: public trust. According to a comprehensive KPMG and University of Melbourne global study, despite 66% of people regularly using AI and 83% believing in its benefits, only about 46% globally are willing to trust AI systems [1][3].
This skepticism is not unique to Latvia, where concerns about AI often revolve around safety, societal impact, ethics, disinformation, privacy, job loss, reduced critical thinking, and a decline in real-world human interaction [4]. In fact, over half (54%) of people are generally cautious and reluctant to trust AI, according to KPMG's 2025 report "Trust, Attitudes and Use of Artificial Intelligence" [5].
The reasons for this wariness could be due to a lack of knowledge or personal experience, as well as the influence of pop culture. AI is often portrayed in media as human-made systems that spiral out of control, such as in films like The Matrix and Terminator [7].
However, the potential benefits of AI are significant. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts that 170 million new jobs will be created due to technological advances, including AI and automation [6]. In Latvia, 72% of people use AI regularly or semi-regularly, a relatively high figure among developed nations [4].
To help bridge the gap between fear and understanding, educational resources are available. For instance, the free online course "Elements of AI", developed by Riga Technical University, helps people understand what AI is, how to apply it in real life, and how to solve problems using AI [1]. Additionally, the NGO "Riga TechGirls" offers the free course "Google AI Essentials", which covers the fundamentals of AI, data analysis, text and image generation, as well as ethics and critical thinking [8].
By learning, exploring, and continuously developing our skills, we can reduce fear and build a critical, balanced view of AI. The more we know about AI, the better we can use it for our own and society's benefit. After all, AI is not a magic solution to every problem, nor is it something we should fear-it is a tool that we can learn to use with understanding and responsibility.
References:
[1] KPMG and University of Melbourne (2025). The AI Readiness Index 2025. [2] KPMG (2025). Trust, Attitudes and Use of Artificial Intelligence. [3] McKinsey & Company (2025). The Social Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Automation. [4] European Commission (2025). Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) 2025. [5] Kantar (2025). Latvia AI Usage Survey 2025. [6] World Economic Forum (2025). Future of Jobs Report 2025. [7] Various film productions (1999-present). [8] Riga TechGirls (2025). Google AI Essentials Course.
- The skepticism towards AI, not unique to Latvia, stems from various concerns such as safety, societal impact, ethics, disinformation, privacy, job loss, reduced critical thinking, and decreased human interaction.
- Despite 83% of people believing in the benefits of AI, only about 46% globally are willing to trust AI systems, a indication of the persisting public trust challenge.
- AI is often depicted in media as dangerous systems that spiral out of control, as seen in films like The Matrix and Terminator, further contributing to this mistrust.
- By developing our understanding of AI through education and self-development, we can reduce fear and gain a critical, balanced view of its potential.
- Resources like the free online course "Elements of AI", developed by Riga Technical University, and the free course "Google AI Essentials" offered by the NGO "Riga TechGirls", can help people understand AI and how to use it responsibly.
- As AI has the potential to create 170 million new jobs due to technological advances, including AI and automation, it is important to learn and continuously develop our skills to maximize its benefits for our own and society's advantage.
