New AI tools much hyped but not much used, study says - BBC News
According to a survey, very few people are regularly using "much hyped" artificial intelligence (AI) products like ChatGPT. The survey, conducted by researchers from the Reuters Institute and Oxford University, gathered responses from 12,000 individuals in six countries, including the UK. Interestingly, only 2% of British respondents claimed to use such AI tools on a daily basis.
The study highlighted that while there is significant hype surrounding AI technologies, there seems to be a disconnect in terms of actual usage and public interest. Dr. Richard Fletcher, the lead author of the report, emphasized this mismatch between the expectations set by AI hype and the real-life adoption of these tools.
Generative AI Tools and Public Perception
The survey specifically focused on generative AI tools, the latest generation of products capable of providing human-like responses to text prompts, along with generating images, audio, and video content. ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI, garnered significant attention upon its release in November 2022, triggering a competitive surge among tech companies to enhance their own generative AI capabilities.
Despite the massive investments made in developing generative AI, the research indicates that these tools have not yet become integral to people's online activities. A substantial portion of the public, including 30% in the UK, remains unaware of prominent products like ChatGPT.
Public Sentiment and Expectations
Amid the debates surrounding the impact of AI technologies, the study aimed to gauge public perceptions on the matter. Key findings revealed that while a majority of respondents anticipate a significant societal impact from generative AI in the next five years, there exists a balance of optimism and pessimism.
Individuals expressed hopes for generative AI improving various sectors, particularly in science and healthcare, while harboring concerns about its implications for news, journalism, and job security. Dr. Fletcher emphasized the importance of nuanced discussions around AI, urging stakeholders, including governments and regulators, to consider the diverse perspectives highlighted in the research.
Global Reach of the Study
The survey collected responses from six countries: Argentina, Denmark, France, Japan, the UK, and the USA, providing a broad insight into global attitudes towards generative AI technologies.
