Technology

AI Risks: What the Public Fears vs. What the Experts Say

Published

3 weeks ago

April 26, 2025

Statista

Featured Creator

Article/Editing:

Bruno Venditti

See this visualization first on the Voronoi app.

AI Risks: What the Public Fears vs. What the Experts Say

This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.

As artificial intelligence rapidly integrates into everyday life, concerns about its impact are intensifying—but not everyone sees the same risks.

This graphic by Statista shows the biggest concerns of experts and regular adult users about AI.

Data comes from the Pew Research Center as of March 2025. It is based on surveys of 5,410 U.S. adults (conducted in August 2024) and 1,013 AI experts living in the U.S. (surveyed between August and October 2024).

Increase in Misinformation

Topping the list for AI experts (70%) is the concern that AI could spread inaccurate information. The threat of AI impersonating people is the biggest fear of U.S. adults (78%).

Similarly, misuse of personal information by AI technologies worries 60% of experts and 71% of adults.

One of the most notable differences lies in the fear of job loss: 56% of the public are very concerned, while only 25% of experts say the same. Experts are also less worried about AI’s social impacts, like people becoming less connected—only 37% voiced concern, compared to 57% of the public.

Concern	U.S. Adults	AI Experts
AI spreading inaccurate information	66%	70%
AI impersonating people	78%	65%
Personal information being misused by AI	71%	60%
Bias in decisions made by AI	55%	55%
People not understanding what AI can do	58%	52%
AI leading to less connection between people	57%	37%
AI leading to job loss	56%	25%

Nearly half of experts (47%) report being more excited than concerned about AI’s future. Among U.S. adults, just 11% say the same. Instead, 51% of adults say they’re more concerned than excited—more than triple the rate of experts (15%).

As AI continues to evolve, understanding these perception gaps will be critical for shaping effective policy, communication, and innovation.

Looking to tap into the latest AI Week content? Visit our AI content hub, brought to you by Terzo.

Learn More on the Voronoi App

If you enjoyed this graphic, make sure to check Charted: Countries Accumulating the Most AI Patents, to see which countries & regions have accumulated the most AI patents.

This article was published as a part of Visual Capitalist's Creator Program, which features data-driven visuals from some of our favorite Creators around the world.

Related Topics:technology tech artificial intelligence ai US misinformation chatgpt U.S.AI technology

Click for Comments

Technology

These 18 Industries Could Reshape the Global Economy by 2040

Discover the biggest industries in 2040, from AI to biotech, as emerging sectors generate up to $48 trillion in revenue.

Published

1 week ago

May 7, 2025

Marcus Lu

These 18 Industries Could Reshape the Global Economy by 2040

This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.

Key Takeaways

McKinsey identified these industries as having the most potential for future growth, generating up to $48 trillion in revenues by 2040
AI Software & Services is expected to have a CAGR of up to 25% between 2022 and 2040

As the world evolves, new industries are emerging as the key drivers of future economic growth. According to McKinsey Global Institute, there are 18 high-growth arenas—including AI, cybersecurity, biotech, and air mobility—which could generate up to $48 trillion in annual revenue by 2040.

In this graphic, we break down most transformative industries by 2040, offering a glimpse into the future economy.

Data & Discussion

The 18 industries shown in this graphic stand out for their rapid innovation, large investments, and expanding markets. Under a high scenario, McKinsey believes their share of global GDP could rise from 4% today, to 16% by 2040.

Industry	2022 Revenue ($B)	2040 Revenue ($B)	CAGR (%)
🛒 E-commerce	$4,000	$20,000	9%
🤖 AI Software & Services	$85	$4,600	25%
☁️ Cloud Services	$220	$3,400	17%
🚗 Electric Vehicles	$450	$3,200	12%
📢 Digital Ads	$520	$2,900	10%
💾 Semiconductors	$630	$2,400	8%
🚘 Autonomous Cars	-	$2,300	-
🚀 Space	$300	$1,600	10%
🛡️ Cybersecurity	$160	$1,200	12%
🔋 Batteries	$98	$1,100	14%
🏗️ Modular Construction	$180	$1,100	10%
📺 Streaming Services	$160	$1,000	11%
🎮 Video Games	$230	$910	8%
🤖 Robotics	$21	$910	23%
🧬 Biotech	$140	$900	900%
✈️ Air Mobility	-	$340	-
💊 Obesity Drugs	$24	$280	15%
⚛️ Nuclear Fission	$18	$150	13%

Let’s take a closer look at some of these high-growth industries.

🛒 E-commerce

E-commerce revenues could quintuple from $4 trillion in 2022, to $20 trillion by 2040.

Much of this growth will occur in emerging markets, where regions like Southeast Asia and Africa are experiencing a surge in their consumer class populations.

Advancements in logistics and digital payments are also making online shopping more accessible and reliable in these areas.

🤖 AI Software & Services

AI software and services is one of the fastest growing industries in this dataset, propelled by massive investments in generative AI technologies.

In the U.S. alone, nearly $500 billion in private capital has been raised since 2013, with 6,956 new AI companies being founded.

Check out our 2025 AI Week Wrap Report to see all of our latest visuals breaking down the AI landscape.

🏗️ Modular Construction

Modular construction involves prefabricating building components off-site and assembling them on-site.

A major benefit of this approach is automation. By moving production to a single facility, components could be manufactured quicker and cheaper. This could also address the lack of skilled labor that the construction industry often faces.

💊 Obesity Drugs

While the majority of obesity drug demand is based in the U.S., the market for these innovative medicines is rising globally due to rising obesity rates.

McKinsey aren’t the only ones predicting a massive boom in this industry, either. In a 2023 analysis, Morgan Stanley predicted that the global obesity drug market would be worth $77 billion by 2030.