After changing into mainstream in 2023, generative synthetic intelligence (AI) is now reworking the way in which we reside.
This expertise is a kind of AI which may generate textual content, pictures and different content material in response to prompts. Specifically, it has remodeled the way in which 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 firms 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 numerous considerations and controversies surrounding using generative AI.
Within the face of those advanced and speedy developments, we surveyed greater than 4,000 Australians to raised perceive their experiences with and attitudes towards generative AI. Launched at the moment, our outcomes paint a sophisticated image – and underscore the important significance of improved media literacy packages.
Who’s utilizing generative AI in Australia?
Between January and April this yr we surveyed a consultant pattern of 4,442 grownup Australians. We requested folks a variety of questions on their media use, attitudes and talents together with a sequence of questions on generative AI.
Equipped
Slightly below 4 in ten (39%) adults have expertise utilizing text-based generative AI providers akin to ChatGPT or Bard. Of this group, 13% are utilizing these providers repeatedly and 26% have tried them.
An extra three in ten (29%) adults know of those providers however haven’t used them, whereas 26% are by no means aware of these providers.
Far fewer Australians are utilizing image-focused generative AI providers akin to Midjourney or DALL-E. These sorts of providers can be utilized to create illustrations or artworks, alter or alter pictures or design posters.
Solely 3% are utilizing these providers repeatedly and 13% have experimented or tried utilizing them. Half (50%) of adults are by no means aware of image-based AI providers whereas 28% have heard of those providers 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 repeatedly utilizing generative AI than older adults. Adults with a excessive stage of training are additionally more likely to be utilizing this expertise, as are folks with a excessive family earnings.
Australians are frightened about generative AI
Many Australians consider generative AI might make their lives higher.
However extra Australians agree generative AI will hurt Australian society (40%) than disagree with this (16%).
That is maybe why virtually three quarters (74%) of grownup Australians consider 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 need to study extra about it.
Considerably, many individuals mentioned they don’t know the way 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 position for media literacy
Our survey reveals the extra assured individuals are about their media talents, the extra probably they’re to concentrate on generative AI and assured utilizing it.
Grownup media literacy packages and assets can be utilized to extend folks’s media data and skill. These packages may be created and delivered on-line and in individual by public broadcasters and different media organisations, universities, group organisations, libraries and museums.
Media literacy is broadly recognised as being important for full participation in society. A media literate individual is ready to create, use and share a various vary of media whereas critically analysing their media engagement.
Our analysis reveals there’s a want for brand new media literacy assets to make sure Australians are in a position to make knowledgeable choices about generative AI. For instance, this type of training is essential for adults to develop their digital know-how to allow them to decide if pictures are actual and may be trusted.
As well as, media literacy can present folks methods to apply vital considering to reply to generative AI. For instance, if an individual makes use of an AI device to generate pictures, they need to ask themselves:
- why has the AI device created the picture on this manner and does it create social stereotypes or biases?
- might I exploit 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 exploit the superior options inside an AI device to refine my picture to supply a extra passable outcome?
- what sort of knowledge has the AI been “skilled on” to supply this type of picture?
With out interventions, rising applied sciences akin to generative AI will widen present gaps between these with a high and low stage of confidence of their media skill.
It’s subsequently pressing for Australian governments to supply acceptable funding for media literacy assets and packages. This may assist guarantee all residents can reply to the ever-changing digital media panorama – and absolutely take part in modern society.
