Having turn out to be mainstream in 2023, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is now changing the best way we live.
This technology is a style of AI that may generate text, images, and other content in response to prompts. In particular, it has modified the best way we eat and create information and media.
For example, thousands and thousands of individuals now use the technology to summarize long documents, compose emails, and increase their productivity at work. Newsrooms are also experimenting with generative AI, and film firms are using it to create actors. digital double and even “digital clones“ by deceased actors.
These changes will intensify in the approaching months and years. This also applies to the numerous Issue and controversies surrounding using generative AI.
Given these complex and rapid developments, we surveyed greater than 4,000 Australians to raised understand their experiences with and attitudes towards generative AI. Published today: Our results paint a sophisticated picture – and underline the crucial importance of improved media literacy programs.
Who is using generative AI in Australia?
Between January and April this yr, we surveyed a representative sample of 4,442 adult Australians. We asked people a series of questions on their media use, attitudes and skills, including numerous questions on generative AI.
Delivered
Nearly 4 in ten (39%) adults have experience using text-based generative AI services corresponding to ChatGPT or Bard. Of this group, 13% use these services often and 26% have tried them.
Another three in ten (29%) adults find out about these services but haven’t used them, and 26% are usually not accustomed to these services in any respect.
Far fewer Australians use image-focused generative AI services corresponding to Midjourney or DALL-E. These services might be used to create illustrations or artwork, adjust or modify photos, or design posters.
Only 3% use these services often and 13% have experimented with or tried them. Half (50%) of adults are usually not in any respect accustomed to image-based AI services, while 28% have heard of those services but haven’t used them.
Some groups are rather more prone to use generative AI.
Regular use is strongly correlated with age. For example, younger adults are rather more prone to use generative AI often than older adults. Adults with a high level of education are also rather more prone to use this technology, as are individuals with high household incomes.
Australians are concerned about generative AI
Many Australians imagine that generative AI could improve their lives.
However, more Australians imagine that generative AI will harm Australian society (40%) than disagree (16%).
This could also be why almost three-quarters (74%) of Australian adults imagine laws and regulations are needed to administer the risks related to generative AI.
Only one in five (22%) adults are confident they’ll use generative AI tools, although 46% say they need to learn more about it.
Significantly, many individuals are unsure what to take into consideration generative AI, suggesting that many Australians don’t yet know enough in regards to the technology to make informed decisions about its use.
The role of media literacy
Our survey shows that the more confident individuals are about their media skills, the more likely they’re to find out about generative AI and use it confidently.
Adult media literacy programs and resources might be used to enhance people's media knowledge and literacy. These programs might be created by public broadcasters and other media organizations, universities, community organizations, libraries and museums and delivered online and in person.
Media literacy is well known as a prerequisite for full participation in society. A media-literate person is capable of create, use and share a big selection of media while critically analyzing their media engagement.
Our research shows there’s a necessity for brand spanking new media literacy resources to make sure Australians could make informed decisions about generative AI. For example, such a education is critical for adults to develop their digital literacy so that they can determine whether images are real and might be trusted.
In addition, media literacy can teach people the best way to reply to generative AI using critical pondering. For example, when an individual uses an AI tool to generate images, they need to ask themselves:
- Why did the AI ​​tool create the image in this manner and does it create social stereotypes or prejudices?
- Could I take advantage of a special prompt to encourage the AI ​​to supply a more accurate or fairer representation?
- what would occur if I experimented with different AI tools to create the image?
- How can I take advantage of the advanced features of an AI tool to refine my image and achieve a more satisfactory result?
- What data was the AI ​​“trained” with to create such a image?
Without interventions, recent technologies corresponding to generative AI will widen the present gap between individuals with high and low confidence of their media literacy.
Therefore, it’s imperative for the Australian Government to supply adequate funding for media literacy resources and programs. This will help make sure that all residents are able to answer the ever-changing digital media landscape and fully take part in today's society.
