The second national research on the perception of artificial intelligence (AI) in Croatia has revealed a notable rise in the use of AI tools, as well as shifts in public opinion about its impact. The research, conducted by the Faculty of EFFECTUS University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with Croatian Post, FINA, and Kufner Group, was presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robert Kopal.
Increased AI Literacy and Usage
According to the findings, AI literacy among Croatian citizens has seen a significant increase. Compared to last year, there has been a 5 percent rise in the number of citizens who are highly literate in AI, now totaling 24 percent of the population. The use of AI tools has also surged, with 25 percent of respondents reporting that they occasionally use AI tools, compared to just 14 percent in 2023.
Concerns About Job Losses
Despite the growing use of AI, many citizens express concerns about its potential consequences. Nearly 50 percent of respondents believe that AI will cause numerous jobs in Croatia to disappear within the next 10 years. This concern likely contributes to the fact that 59 percent of respondents have negative associations with artificial intelligence, while 35 percent expressed a lack of trust in AI systems.
Balancing Opportunities and Risks
While there remains significant skepticism towards AI, the research also highlights a modest shift toward optimism. The percentage of respondents who believe that the opportunities and benefits of AI outweigh the risks increased by 3 percent. However, public wariness is still evident, as half of the respondents expressed a reluctance to pay for AI tools, and most remain uneasy about the use of their personal data in AI systems.
Methodology and Research Goals
The research, which surveyed 2,200 respondents through a combination of CAPI (computer-aided personal surveys in households) and CAWI (internet panel) methodologies, is part of an ongoing scientific project. The goal is to monitor and analyze key indicators related to AI perception in Croatia, using scientific-professional methods to track changes and uncover relevant correlations.
Despite the mixed perceptions, the increasing literacy and use of AI tools suggest that AI is becoming an integral part of Croatian society. How the nation will adapt to the challenges and opportunities AI presents remains an evolving conversation.
