Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, have been widely discussed and promoted, but a new study suggests that only a small number of people use them regularly. Researchers from the Reuters Institute and Oxford University surveyed 12,000 individuals across six countries, including the UK. Their findings revealed that just 2% of respondents in the UK use AI tools like ChatGPT daily.
However, younger people, particularly those aged 18 to 24, are more inclined to use these technologies. Dr. Richard Fletcher, the lead author of the report, noted a significant “mismatch” between the extensive media coverage and the actual public interest in AI.
The study focused on generative AI tools, which are capable of creating human-like responses to text prompts, as well as generating images, audio, and video. This type of AI gained widespread attention with the release of ChatGPT in November 2022. The success of ChatGPT prompted tech companies to invest heavily in developing their own AI features.
Despite the substantial financial and developmental efforts, the research indicates that generative AI has not yet become a staple of everyday internet use for most people. According to Dr. Fletcher, “Large parts of the public are not particularly interested in generative AI,” and around 30% of UK respondents were unaware of major AI products, including ChatGPT.
The emergence of generative AI has sparked a vigorous debate about its potential impacts. Optimists predict that AI could drive economic growth and lead to breakthroughs in fields like medicine. Conversely, pessimists warn that AI might pose significant risks, including existential threats to humanity.
The study aimed to capture public sentiment on the future impact of generative AI. Key findings include that a majority of respondents believe generative AI will significantly influence society over the next five years, especially in areas like news, media, and science. Most participants think generative AI will improve their personal lives. However, when considering society as a whole, people are generally more pessimistic about the overall impact of AI.
Dr. Fletcher emphasized that public opinions vary by sector. People are generally optimistic about the role of AI in science and healthcare, but they express more concern regarding its use in journalism and its potential effects on job security. He highlighted the need for nuanced discussions involving governments and regulators to address the diverse views and concerns about AI.
The study’s results were derived from responses to an online questionnaire conducted in six countries: Argentina, Denmark, France, Japan, the UK, and the USA.
Source: Tom Singleton, Technology Reporter, BBC News (May 28, 2024). You can check out the full article here.
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