AI in Smart Cities Survey: Citizens Have Trust Issues

People’s perspectives on AI in smart cities vary widely across demographics due to differing priorities, levels of exposure to technology and socioeconomic factors. The diverse viewpoints highlight the need for inclusive education and dialogue to ensure AI solutions address the concerns and aspirations of all groups. 

• Age: Distrust grows steadily from age 45 and up, with the 65+ group the most skeptical. Individuals aged 40-65 may be hesitant to trust AI use in government due to their past experiences with rapid technological advancements. This age group has witnessed the emergence and rapid evolution of technologies, often accompanied by concerns about data privacy, ethical dilemmas and insufficient regulation. Many may recall when technological advancements had unintended consequences, such as job displacement or data breaches. These experiences can make them more cautious and skeptical, particularly in areas as sensitive and impactful as government infrastructure. The combination of limited transparency and concerns about misuse of AI tools likely magnifies their hesitations, fueling a greater demand for accountability and oversight in its implementation.

• Education: Distrust in AI use in government was highest among people with college degrees. This demographic may exhibit more distrust due to their exposure to critical thinking frameworks and an understanding of the technology’s potential drawbacks. Higher education often fosters a deeper awareness of issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias and ethical governance, making graduates more skeptical about the possible misuse of AI. Additionally, their familiarity with societal structures and complex systems might lead them to question whether implementing AI could exacerbate existing problems, such as inequalities or a lack of transparency. This combination of knowledge and critical analysis likely fuels a cautionary stance, urging a balance between technological advancement and ethical oversight.

• Income: Individuals earning between $100,000 and $125,000 showed the highest level of trust. Lower-income groups were more skeptical. A key reason individuals with lower incomes often distrust government use of AI is the concern over bias and misuse. Many fear that AI systems, if poorly designed, may perpetuate existing inequalities, favoring wealthier communities while neglecting the needs of underserved populations. Additionally, a lack of transparency in how AI makes decisions can deepen skepticism, leading to concerns that the technology could monitor or unfairly target vulnerable groups, rather than benefiting them. Building trust will require governments to prioritize inclusivity, fairness and open communication about the goals and safeguards of AI initiatives.

• Geography: Urban residents leaned more toward trust, but most participants were from urban areas due to the digital nature of the survey. Rural and micropolitan residents were more skeptical. However, there were fewer responses from rural areas to the survey. Counties that are outside cities were the most skeptical group by geography. People living closer to cities often have greater exposure to technology and its applications in everyday life, which may make them more trusting of AI use in government. Additionally, the diverse and high-paced urban environments require scalable and efficient solutions, characteristics that AI technologies often fulfill. This familiarity fosters a sense of acceptance and trust, as residents see AI contributing to smoother operations, quicker decisions, and accuracy in urban management.