TLDR: A recent survey by Milieu Insight indicates that 80% of Singaporeans utilize Artificial Intelligence tools daily for personal tasks. However, this widespread adoption does not translate to high trust in critical areas such as financial advice or mental health support, with only a small percentage willing to rely on AI for these sensitive matters. Concerns about accuracy, misinformation, and the loss of human touch persist, particularly among different age groups.
A new survey conducted by Milieu Insight has shed light on the evolving relationship between Singaporeans and Artificial Intelligence, revealing a significant paradox: while AI has become an integral part of daily life for a vast majority, trust in its capabilities for high-stakes applications remains notably low. The research, conducted online between June 16 and 24, surveyed 1,000 respondents aged 16 and above, finding that a striking 80% of Singaporeans engage with AI tools for personal purposes on a daily basis.
Despite this widespread adoption, the depth of engagement is generally light. The survey indicated that 87% of users across all age groups spend less than 30 minutes a day interacting with AI tools. Common applications include searching for information, planning activities, and experimenting with creative tasks such as writing support, generating art ideas, or creating images.
Younger demographics are at the forefront of this AI integration. Forty percent of individuals aged 16 to 24 reported regular AI use, with half of this group leveraging AI for creative assistance. However, when it comes to areas requiring professional judgment, such as financial advice or mental health support, trust levels plummet. Only 16% of respondents stated they use AI for financial advice, and a mere 14% turn to it for mental health support or therapy-like conversations. This highlights a clear distinction in how Singaporeans perceive AI: a convenient tool for everyday tasks, but not a reliable replacement for human expertise in critical domains.
The survey also uncovered varying concerns across different age groups. Younger users, particularly those aged 16 to 24, expressed significant apprehension about misinformation, with 61% worried about incorrect or misleading information from AI. Additionally, 54% of this group were concerned about becoming overly dependent on AI. In contrast, older Singaporeans, specifically those aged 55 and above, primarily highlighted the risk of losing the human touch in important interactions, with 51% sharing this sentiment.
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Roughly one in three respondents admitted to partially replacing a professional service with AI, indicating a cautious yet growing willingness to integrate AI into more significant aspects of their lives, albeit with reservations. The findings from the Milieu Insight survey resonate with broader national discussions on AI in Singapore. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, in his National Day Rally 2025 speech, emphasized AI’s crucial role in the nation’s future while underscoring that Singaporeans themselves will remain central to economic growth and resilience. This sentiment aligns with the survey’s conclusion that while AI is firmly embedded in daily routines, trust issues continue to shape its acceptance in critical life areas.
