By Lananh Nguyen
DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) – Economic fears have become grievances among 60% of people, and many believe hostile actions such as violence may be necessary to bring about change, according to a global survey by communications firm Edelman.
The survey of 33,000 respondents in 28 countries showed severe levels of distrust in government and businesses, with many respondents viewing them as serving the narrow interests of the rich while ordinary people struggle.
It was published when the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos was scheduled to begin under the theme “Collaboration for the smart era.”
Four in 10 respondents approved of hostile acts to bring about change, including violence or threats, online attacks, intentional spreading of misinformation and property damage, the survey showed. Among respondents aged 18 to 34, support for hostile actions was even higher: 53%.
The results are “profound,” said company CEO Richard Edelman. “We've seen a decline over a 10-year period from fears to polarization and grievances,” as the public becomes more anxious about the cost of living and job security tied to artificial intelligence, he said.
Discontent arises from a lack of hope for the next generation, class divisions between low- and high-income people, distrust in leaders, including government officials, business executives and journalists, and confusion over credible information, it showed. the survey.
In Western democracies, respondents' outlook that their countries will be better for the next generation fell to severe lows of 9% in France, 17% in the United Kingdom and 30% in the United States, according to the survey.
“Getting out of a society based on resentment will require a cross-agency effort to address issues such as data integrity, affordability, sustainability and the future of ai,” Edelman said.
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