After becoming mainstream in 2023, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is now remodeling the best way we reside.
This expertise is a kind of AI which might generate textual content, photographs and different content material in response to prompts. Specifically, it has reworked the best way we devour and create data and media.
For instance, hundreds of thousands of individuals now use the expertise to summarise prolonged paperwork, draft emails and improve their productiveness at work. Newsrooms have additionally began experimenting with generative AI, and movie corporations are utilizing it to create actor digital doubles and even “digital clones” of actors who’ve died.
These transformations are sure to extend within the coming months and years. So too are the various concerns and controversies surrounding using generative AI.
Within the face of those advanced and fast developments, we surveyed greater than 4,000 Australians to higher perceive their experiences with and attitudes towards generative AI. Launched as we speak, our results paint an advanced image – and underscore the vital significance of improved media literacy applications.
Who is utilizing generative AI in Australia?
Between January and April this yr we surveyed a consultant pattern of 4,442 grownup Australians. We requested individuals a variety of questions about their media use, attitudes and skills together with a collection of questions about generative AI.
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Just below 4 in ten (39%) adults have expertise utilizing text-based generative AI companies reminiscent of ChatGPT or Bard. Of this group, 13% are utilizing these companies commonly and 26% have tried them.
An extra three in ten (29%) adults know of those companies however haven’t used them, whereas 26% are by no means conversant in these companies.
Far fewer Australians are utilizing image-focused generative AI companies reminiscent of Midjourney or DALL-E. These sorts of companies can be utilized to create illustrations or artworks, modify or alter pictures or design posters.
Solely 3% are utilizing these companies commonly and 13% have experimented or tried utilizing them. Half (50%) of adults are by no means conversant in image-based AI companies whereas 28% have heard of those companies however haven’t used them.
Some teams are more likely to be utilizing generative AI.
Common use is strongly correlated with age. For instance, youthful adults are more likely to be commonly utilizing generative AI than older adults. Adults with a excessive stage of training are additionally more likely to be utilizing this expertise, as are individuals with a excessive family revenue.
Australians are worried about generative AI
Many Australians imagine generative AI may make their lives higher.
However extra Australians agree generative AI will hurt Australian society (40%) than disagree with this (16%).
This is maybe why virtually three quarters (74%) of grownup Australians imagine legal guidelines and rules are wanted to handle dangers related to generative AI.
Only one in 5 (22%) adults are assured about utilizing generative AI instruments, though 46% say they wish to study extra about it.
Considerably, many individuals stated they don’t understand how they really feel about generative AI. This means many Australians don’t but know sufficient about this expertise to make knowledgeable choices about its use.
The function for media literacy
Our survey exhibits the extra assured individuals are about their media skills, the extra seemingly they are to pay attention to generative AI and assured utilizing it.
Grownup media literacy applications and assets can be utilized to extend individuals’s media information and talent. These applications might be created and delivered on-line and in particular person by public broadcasters and different media organisations, universities, group organisations, libraries and museums.
Media literacy is widely recognised as being important for full participation in society. A media literate particular person is capable of create, use and share a various vary of media whereas critically analysing their media engagement.
Our analysis exhibits there is a necessity for new media literacy assets to make sure Australians are capable of make knowledgeable choices about generative AI. For instance, this sort of training is essential for adults to develop their digital know-how to allow them to decide if photographs are actual and might be trusted.
As well as, media literacy can present individuals how one can apply essential considering to answer generative AI. For instance, if an individual makes use of an AI device to generate photographs, they need to ask themselves:
- why has the AI device created the picture on this means and does it create social stereotypes or biases?
- may I take advantage of a distinct immediate to encourage the AI to create a extra correct or fairer illustration?
- what would occur if I experimented with totally different AI instruments to create the picture?
- how can I take advantage of the superior options inside an AI device to refine my picture to provide a extra passable outcome?
- what sort of knowledge has the AI been “educated on” to provide this sort of picture?
With out interventions, rising applied sciences reminiscent of generative AI will widen present gaps between these with a high and low stage of confidence of their media capacity.
It’s due to this fact pressing for Australian governments to supply acceptable funding for media literacy assets and applications. It will assist guarantee all residents can reply to the ever-changing digital media panorama – and absolutely take part in up to date society.