A recent survey by Egypt’s Cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) reflects the soaring awareness and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the nation. Conducted from July 15 to July 28, the study underscores the growing acceptance and concern surrounding AI, revealing a complex landscape of public perception.
Surge in Public Awareness of AI
The survey indicates a remarkable increase in public familiarity with AI tools over the last three years. In 2026, a striking 65% of respondents reported being acquainted with AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Gemini, a considerable rise from just 22% in 2023. This escalation signals not only heightened awareness but also a significant interest in exploring the applications of AI in everyday life.
Utilization Trends Among Respondents
Notably, ChatGPT has emerged as the leading AI application, with 26.3% of those familiar with AI indicating that they had used this platform. Following behind were Gemini, utilized by 10.9% of respondents, and other AI options like Meta AI at 2.9%. Work-related tasks accounted for the predominant use of AI, with 51.7% of users applying these tools to streamline their professional activities. Personal matters followed closely at 38.3%, while academic purposes claimed a 32.3% share, showcasing the diverse range of applications for AI.
When assessing the effectiveness of AI-generated outputs, 51.4% of users rated the results as “acceptable,” while 42.5% deemed them “excellent,” reflecting a promising 93.9% positive sentiment overall. Only 3.7% considered the accuracy to be poor, while 2.4% chose not to share their views on the matter. This data reveals a general confidence in the capabilities of AI, although there remains a faction of skeptics.
Privacy Concerns and Job Displacement Worries
Despite the optimistic outlook on AI’s performance, the survey also highlighted significant privacy concerns. Of the active users surveyed, 55% expressed anxiety about sharing personal information with AI platforms. This figure contrasts sharply with the 39.3% who felt unconcerned and the 5.7% who remained neutral, indicating a clear divide in public sentiment regarding data privacy in the context of AI adoption.
In terms of job security, respondents were asked to identify professions at the highest risk of disruption due to AI. Administrative and clerical roles ranked highest at 6.2%, followed by manufacturing and craft trades at 5.3%. Educators (5%), accountants (4.1%), graphic designers (3.4%), customer service representatives (3.2%), and IT professionals (3.1%) were also noted. Remarkably, 54% of respondents did not pinpoint any specific careers, suggesting uncertainty or a broader ambivalence regarding the future of many job sectors.
Cautious Outlook on Long-Term AI Impact
Overall, the survey reveals that while there is enthusiasm for the capabilities of AI, many citizens remain apprehensive about its long-term implications. Nearly 48.8% of participants fear that AI’s continued integration could lead to potential risks, while 22.9% disagreed with this notion, and 28.3% opted not to provide an opinion. This cautious perspective underscores the duality of promise and peril that AI presents, exemplifying the need for ongoing dialogue about its role in society.