Artificial intelligence (AI) has quietly become part of our everyday lives, but AI anxiety is on the rise in Australia.
Before generative AI took center stage, discriminative AI was fully integrated into our day-to-day actions – keeping our inboxes clear of spam and recommending our next Netflix binge.
But as ChatGPT and other generative AI tools become more widely adopted, concerns about their impact are also growing.
AI anxiety in Australia
A recent survey shows that most Australians are apprehensive about AI – and with good reason.
The study, conducted by researchers at Western Sydney University, highlights the urgent need for improved media literacy to help citizens navigate the rise of AI-powered tools.
Associate Professor Tanya Notley, lead author of the study, and her team surveyed over 4,000 adult Australians between January and April 2024. The results paint a complex picture of citizens’ relationship with AI.
AI usage: Yay or nay?
The 126-page study is comprehensive, but a few key figures stand out.
For example, 39% of Australian adults use (or have at least tried) text-based AI services like ChatGPT. Of those, 13% use it regularly.
Meanwhile, 40% believe generative AI will harm Australian society, compared to only 16% who disagree.
How can this issue be addressed? Of those surveyed, 74% of adults believe laws and regulations are needed to manage AI-related risks.
“Our survey shows the more confident people are about their media abilities, the more likely they are to be aware of generative AI and confident using it,” says Notley.
Who uses AI the most?
The study also reveals disparities in AI usage across demographics.
Younger adults, those with higher education levels, and individuals from high-income households are more likely to use generative AI regularly.
This digital divide raises concerns about equitable access to AI technologies and their benefits. To address these gaps, Notley emphasizes the need for comprehensive and effective media literacy programs.
Without it, she says emerging technologies “will widen existing gaps between those with a low and high level of confidence in their media ability.”
The solution to AI anxiety in Australia?
The researchers call for increased funding for media literacy resources and programs from the Australian government.
This will help Australians to evaluate AI-generated content, understand the potential biases, and make informed decisions about AI use.
Despite the fears and concerns, it’s not all doom and gloom. Banks now use generative AI to detect and prevent fraud.
READ MORE HERE: How banks are using Gen AI to detect fraud
Share this article
About the author
Cheryl has contributed to various international publications, with a fervor for data and technology. She explores the intersection of emerging tech trends with logistics, focusing on how digital innovations are reshaping industries on a global scale. When she's not dissecting the latest developments in AI-driven innovation and digital solutions, Cheryl can be found gaming, kickboxing, or navigating the novel niches of consumer gadgetry.
