June 10, 2025

AI Skepticism: Fear, Doubt, and the Battle for Trust in the Philippines and Beyond

By Jein Pabalinas (Why Live), Webmaster

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, economies, and daily life, yet skepticism remains a global force pushing back against its rapid adoption. From ethical concerns to fears of job displacement, AI skeptics span cultures, industries, and ideologies—and the Philippines is no exception.

But are these concerns valid, or are they misguided resistance to inevitable progress? Let’s break down the global skepticism, explore its common themes, and finally, zoom in on the Philippines, where AI adoption faces unique cultural and economic hurdles.

Global AI Skepticism: Why the World Hesitates

Despite AI’s undeniable advancements, skepticism is widespread. A global study found that less than half of people trust AI, even though 66% use it regularly.

Common Reasons for AI Skepticism Worldwide

🔹 The “Black Box” Problem – Many AI systems operate with opaque decision-making processes, making it difficult for users to understand or trust their conclusions.

🔹 Bias & Fairness Concerns – AI models trained on historical data can inherit and amplify biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes in hiring, lending, and law enforcement.

🔹 Privacy & Surveillance Fears – AI’s voracious appetite for data raises alarms about personal privacy, security, and potential misuse by governments and corporations.

🔹 Job Displacement Anxiety – AI automation threatens traditional employment, with studies predicting millions of jobs will be replaced by AI-driven systems.

🔹 Disinformation & AI Hallucinations – AI-generated content can spread misinformation, manipulate narratives, and distort reality, making it harder to trust digital information.

🔹 Environmental Impact – AI requires massive computing power, leading to high energy consumption and concerns about its long-term sustainability.

These concerns are not unfounded, but they vary in severity depending on how AI is implemented and regulated.

AI Skepticism in the Philippines: Unique Challenges & Cultural Barriers

The Philippines is both an early AI adopter and a hesitant participant. While Filipino professionals embrace AI tools, skepticism remains deeply rooted in cultural, economic, and infrastructural challenges.

Key AI Skepticism Factors in the Philippines

🔹 Digital Divide & Accessibility – AI adoption is uneven, with urban centers like Makati and BGC embracing AI while rural areas struggle with poor internet and digital literacy.

🔹 Job Security Fears – The BPO industry, a major economic driver, faces AI-driven automation, raising concerns about job losses and economic instability.

🔹 Religious & Ethical Concerns – The Philippines, with its deep Catholic roots, has moral reservations about AI’s role in decision-making, automation, and human replacement.

🔹 Lack of AI Education & Awareness – Many Filipinos don’t fully understand AI, leading to fear-based resistance rather than informed skepticism.

🔹 High Cost of AI Infrastructure – AI adoption is expensive, and the cost of electricity in the Philippines is double that of other ASEAN countries, making AI-powered data centers financially unsustainable.

Are AI Skeptics Right?

AI skepticism isn’t just fear—it’s a necessary check on rapid technological advancement. Some concerns, like bias, privacy, and job displacement, are valid and require regulation. Others, like misinformation and ethical dilemmas, demand education and responsible AI development.

In the Philippines, skepticism isn’t just about fear—it’s about survival. If AI isn’t accessible, ethical, and economically viable, it won’t benefit the majority.

And when it comes to Your Money, Your Life (YMYL), being skeptical is a must—but only within reason. Overanalyzing AI or rejecting it outright could leave Filipinos behind, unable to fully utilize the power of AI for financial growth, job security, and global competitiveness.

Final Thoughts: The Battle for AI Trust in the Philippines

AI skepticism isn’t going away, but neither is AI itself. The challenge isn’t whether AI should exist—it’s how we shape its impact.

At AIWhyLive.com, we explore AI’s role in Filipino society, tackling skepticism, innovation, and ethical AI adoption.

💡 Will AI empower Filipinos or deepen inequality? The answer depends on how we address skepticism—not dismiss it.

Sources:

“Unveiling the Roots of AI Skepticism”
“AI’s Trust Problem – Harvard Business Review”
“Global Study Reveals Trust of AI Remains a Critical Challenge”
“The Philippines and AI: Two Kinds of Surveys”
“AI, Power Cost, Climate Change Challenge Energy Security”
“Artificial Intelligence Issue in the Philippines – Challenges and Opportunities”