Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging in applications like autonomous vehicles and medical assistance devices. But even when the technology is ready to use and has been shown to meet customer demands, there’s still a great deal of skepticism among consumers. For example, a survey of more than 1,000 car buyers in Germany showed that only 5% would prefer a fully autonomous vehicle. We can find a similar number of skeptics of AI-enabled medical diagnosis systems, such as IBM’s Watson. The public’s lack of trust in AI applications may cause us to collectively neglect the possible advantages we could gain from them.
To Get Consumers to Trust AI, Show Them Its Benefits
Communicate early and often.
April 17, 2017
Summary.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly emerging in applications like autonomous vehicles and medical assistance devices, but consumers don’t necessarily trust these applications. Research shows that operational safety and data security are decisive factors in getting people to trust new AI technology. Even more important is the balance between control and autonomy in the technology. And communication is key – it should be proactive and open in the early stages of introducing the public to the technology. Consumers who can effectively communicate the benefits of an AI application have a reduction in their perceived risk, which results in greater trust, and ultimately, in greater adoption of the technology.
New!
HBR Learning
Digital Intelligence Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Digital Intelligence . Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Excel in a world that's being continually transformed by technology.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
Digital Intelligence Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Digital Intelligence . Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Excel in a world that's being continually transformed by technology.