Action on AI risks and misinformation is wanted by Australians, survey reveals. 📊

Concerns About Artificial Intelligence in Australia

A recent survey of over 4,000 Australian adults has revealed significant worries about artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on society. The study, conducted by Western Sydney University, the University of Canberra, and QUT between January and April 2024, found that 74% of Australians are calling for regulations to manage AI risks.

Only 39% of adults have experience using text-based generative AI tools like ChatGPT or Bard.

13% of this group use these services regularly.
26% have tried them at least once.

For image-based AI services such as Midjourney or DALL-E, the adoption rate is even lower, with only 3% using them regularly and 13% experimenting with them.

The survey also highlighted a divide in AI usage based on age and education, with younger adults and those with higher levels of education more likely to use generative AI on a regular basis. This discrepancy raises concerns about a potential societal gap in AI literacy.

Despite the low adoption rates, many Australians express concerns about the impact of generative AI on society. According to the survey, 40% of respondents believe that generative AI will harm Australian society, while 54% feel that AI is progressing too quickly.

Media Literacy and Misinformation

Aside from concerns about AI, the survey also revealed worries about online misinformation. A significant 80% of Australians want action to combat misinformation online, with more than half expressing a desire to enhance their skills in identifying false claims on the internet.

Associate Professor Tanya Notley from Western Sydney University emphasized the critical role of media literacy in navigating the challenges posed by AI and misinformation. She highlighted how AI complicates media literacy, making it harder for individuals to identify instances where AI has been utilized to manipulate information.

“AI certainly makes media literacy more complicated because the expectation is that it’s getting harder and harder to identify where AI has been used,” she said. “It’s going to be used in more sophisticated ways to manipulate people with disinformation, and we can already see that happening.”

The survey identified specific groups, such as individuals with lower education levels, lower incomes, those living with disabilities, and residents in regional areas, who lack confidence in their media literacy skills. Despite social networks being the most popular form of media in the country, one in three Australians reported a lack of confidence in their media abilities.

Addressing Challenges and Recommendations

To tackle these challenges, researchers suggest making media literacy initiatives more accessible and engaging, especially for adults. They recommend leveraging public cultural institutions like public broadcasters and national libraries in Australia to reach a wider audience and cultivate trust in media literacy efforts.

Independent senator David Pocock, who launched the report in Canberra, stressed the urgency of addressing these concerns, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming federal election. He warned of the potential for deepfake democracy, where individuals with low digital literacy could be easily misled.

These survey findings come at a critical juncture as a Senate inquiry into AI adoption is underway, with calls for stringent regulations on AI use. While government officials have hinted at issuing voluntary AI guidelines soon, it remains to be seen whether these measures will adequately address the public’s concerns.