#ai-trust

#ai-trust

Anxiety over security and privacy were up 11 percent from last year, while concerns over ethical AI and transparency also ticked up. In addition, there was a massive drop-off in hype compared to last year, when buzzy AI research startups dominated headline after headline. In 2024, scientists surveyed said they believed AI was already surpassing human abilities in over half of all use cases. In 2025, that belief dropped off a cliff, falling to less than a third.

Despite their reputation as digital natives, Gen Z is pretty poor when it comes to cybersecurity practices. Analysis from consumer insights platform GWI found that while many in this demographic have grown up online, only three-in-ten have made a habit of regularly changing their passwords compared to 42% of Baby Boomers. They're also the generation least likely to keep software and devices up to date, with only 43% bothering. Gen Z was found lacking in other basic cyber hygiene practices, the study noted.

Forty percent of teens trust AI advice without question because AI is programmed to agree and validate. AI validation bypasses cognitive struggles needed for developing critical thinking during brain formation. Parents can counter AI dependency by offering alternative perspectives immediately after AI interactions.

84% of developers now use or plan to use AI in their workflow, but only 33% trust the accuracy of AI outputs. This trust gap reflects real-world experience with AI's limitations.

The framework proposed by Neves relies on six fundamental principles and 24 practical heuristics designed to enhance human-AI interaction by centering ethics and user expectations.