TLDR: A recent UK study involving over 5,000 adults reveals a significant shift in public trust, with Artificial Intelligence now perceived as a more reliable source of truth and facts than the government, social media influencers, and even friends and family. This trend highlights a growing reliance on digital ecosystems for information, despite lingering skepticism about AI’s potential downsides.
A groundbreaking study conducted on 5,020 adults in the UK has unveiled a striking shift in public perception, indicating that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly viewed as a more trustworthy source of information than traditional institutions and personal networks. The research, compiled by OnePoll.com for 72Point.com, found that 44% of adults believe AI will provide them with more truth and facts, a figure that surpasses the 38% who express trust in the government.
The findings underscore a broader disillusionment with established information channels. A significant 57% of respondents believe that most public figures intentionally mislead people, while 47% feel that societal institutions no longer serve them effectively. Social media platforms, in particular, face a crisis of confidence, with less than a quarter (24%) crediting what they read on these channels. A substantial 41% claim social platforms spread misinformation, and 31% attribute disinformation to them. Intriguingly, the study also revealed that just under a fifth (17%) consider AI more trustworthy than their own friends and family.
In contrast to the declining trust in government and social media, traditional news media outlets—including print, digital, and television—still command a higher level of confidence, trusted by 55% of adults. Furthermore, only a small minority (7%) of those polled believe AI-generated content is the primary source of deliberately false information.
Harry Gove, spokesperson for OnePoll.com, commented on these revealing trends: “What’s particularly revealing with this research is the growing perception that AI may deliver more reliable information than even close personal networks – friends and family included. This shift underscores a broader societal transformation: individuals are increasingly turning to digital ecosystems and algorithmically curated content over interpersonal advice. The abundance of accessible, multi-sourced information is reshaping how trust is formed and where authority is placed.”
The study also delved into the practical application and understanding of AI. A notable 70% of adults reported having used AI, with 59% primarily relying on it for answers to questions, 42% for learning or explanations, 34% for writing assistance (such as emails or documents), and 33% for professional tasks. Reassuringly, 59% of all adults claim to possess a good understanding of AI tools, chatbots, and large language models, and 71% of AI users express confidence in the accuracy of the information they receive.
Generational differences in trust were also apparent. Younger adults, specifically those aged 18 to 24, are more inclined to trust information, with 45% convinced by content from social media influencers, compared to just 17% of 45-54 year olds and 9% of those aged 55 to 64. Similarly, 49% of the 18-24 demographic trust business leaders, contrasting with 39% of those aged 55 and over. The 25-34 age group emerged as the biggest adopters of AI, with 66% placing their trust in platforms like ChatGPT, Copilot, or Google Gemini.
Despite the growing reliance on AI, a significant portion of the population remains cautious about information veracity. Across all age groups, 55% of Brits admit it is becoming harder to discern trustworthy sources, and 49% frequently question the authenticity of news. To combat this, 42% actively verify what they read using multiple sources.
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Gove also offered advice on navigating AI-generated information: “There are straightforward ways to verify information, even when using AI-generated summaries. One of the most effective methods is to visit the original sources referenced or linked by the AI. This allows you to assess the credibility of the sites, understand the context from which the summaries were derived, and make an informed judgment about the reliability of the reported content.” He concluded by acknowledging persistent public skepticism regarding AI’s potential for job displacement, identity fraud, and misinformation, but affirmed that “the trajectory is clear. Society is not only embracing AI, but doing so rapidly, with trust in its outputs growing in parallel with its integration into everyday life.”
