AI products like ChatGPT much hyped but not much used, study says
Artificial intelligence (AI) products such as ChatGPT have been the subject of much hype, but a recent survey suggests that very few people are actually using them on a regular basis. A study conducted by the Reuters Institute and Oxford University surveyed 12,000 individuals across six countries, including the UK, revealing that only 2% of British respondents reported using AI tools like ChatGPT daily.
The Mismatch Between Hype and Reality
Dr. Richard Fletcher, the lead author of the report, highlighted a significant "mismatch" between the hype surrounding AI and the actual public interest in these technologies. The study found that while overall interest in generative AI tools is relatively low, young people, particularly those in the 18 to 24 age group, are more enthusiastic adopters of such technologies.
The survey specifically focused on generative AI tools, which can provide human-like responses to text prompts, as well as generate images, audio, and video content. The launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 by OpenAI brought generative AI into the spotlight, leading to a competitive surge among tech companies investing billions in developing similar features.
Public Perception and Concerns
Despite the massive investments and attention directed towards generative AI, the study indicates that these technologies have not yet become ingrained in people's daily internet usage. A significant portion of the public, including 30% of individuals in the UK, have not even heard of prominent products like ChatGPT.
The emergence of these new AI products has sparked a vigorous debate about their potential impact, with predictions ranging from boosting economic growth to posing existential threats to humanity. People's perceptions of generative AI's impact on society vary depending on the sector, with optimism in science and healthcare but wariness in news and journalism.
Looking Ahead
While the majority of respondents believe that generative AI will significantly impact society in the next five years, there is a mixed outlook on whether it will improve individual lives or society as a whole. According to Dr. Fletcher, it is crucial for stakeholders, including governments and regulators, to approach the AI debate with nuance.
The study, based on responses from six countries, underscores the importance of understanding public attitudes towards AI technologies and the need for informed discussions about their implications.
References:
- The study
- What is AI?
- Boost to economic growth
- Discovery of new live-saving drugs
- Threat to humanity itself
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