A large majority of Singaporeans are concerned about the growing role of generative AI in everyday life, even as adoption of AI-generated content rises and attitudes shift in a more positive direction, according to new research by YouGov and Meltwater.

The Trust in the Age of Generative AI report, which surveyed nearly 10,000 consumers across seven global markets including Singapore, found that 83% of Singaporeans express concern about generative AI — even as 55% say they are excited about the future with AI. The Singapore sample comprised 1,060 respondents surveyed between 26 February and 4 March 2026.

Concern Outpaces Excitement, But Both Coexist

The findings point to a complex and evolving relationship with AI-generated content. Misinformation tops the list of worries, with 74% of Singapore respondents saying AI-generated content could be used for fake news or scams. Other concerns include incorrect or misleading information (68%), difficulty identifying AI-generated content (64%) and misuse of personal or sensitive data (58%).

At the same time, Singaporeans recognise tangible benefits: 58% cite faster content creation, 56% point to idea generation, and 54% acknowledge improved accessibility for those without technical or creative skills as key advantages of generative AI.

Young Singaporeans Most Confident in Spotting AI Content

More than six in ten Singaporeans (64%) believe they can identify AI-generated content. Confidence is higher among men (67% versus 61% among women) and peaks sharply among younger audiences — 89% of those aged 18 to 24 claim they can spot AI-generated output. Whether that confidence is well-founded is a separate question the report does not address.

Transparency Is Now a Brand Imperative

Trust emerged as a key theme across the data. More than eight in ten Singaporeans (84%) say it is important that AI-generated content is clearly disclosed. Nearly half (49%) say their trust in a brand would decrease if AI usage were not disclosed — a significant reputational risk for organisations deploying AI in their content and communications.

While 23% of consumers say they are less likely to trust brands using AI-generated content, 18% report increased trust, suggesting that responsible and transparent AI use could be a differentiator rather than a liability.

Acceptance Varies Sharply by Use Case

Consumer acceptance of AI-generated content is highly context-dependent. Acceptance is highest in entertainment (72%), product advertising (64%) and education (60%), but drops significantly in news (35%) and political content (28%). Overall, 45% of Singaporeans say they are comfortable with AI-assisted content, compared to 32% who prefer fully human-created content.

Perceptions Are Shifting Positively

One-third (33%) of Singaporeans say their view of AI-generated content has become more positive over the past year, compared to 20% who report a more negative perception — a net positive shift that suggests growing, if cautious, acceptance.

“It’s evident from the data that Singaporeans aren’t rejecting AI, just scrutinising it as they should. High concern and genuine excitement exist side-by-side, and that indicates that trust has to be earned, not assumed. When brands are clear about how and why they use AI, they can build stronger connections with their audience.”

— Mimrah Mahmood, APAC Enterprise Vice President, Meltwater

The full Trust in the Age of Generative AI report is available on the YouGov website.