Almost half of Australian adults have used Generative AI

Use of GAI is already common, with almost half (48.6 per cent) of Australians having used GAI at least once

Almost half of Australian adults have used Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), with most users reporting it improves how they do their jobs or study, according to a new report by the Australian National University (ANU) in partnership with Google.

The report, AI Adoption in Australia, finds that concerns about personal data and a lack of training and skills are barriers to some Australians using GAI systems.

Researchers from the ANU schools of Cybernetics and Politics and International Relations surveyed more than 3,500 adults and interviewed senior leaders of Australian organisations adopting or preparing to adopt GAI systems. The systems include models such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Dall-E and Claude.

"Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) has moved rapidly from a niche technological development to a widely recognised and increasingly used tool within Australian society,'' study lead author Dr Jessica Herrnington, of the ANU School of Cybernetics, said.

"Understanding of GAI is widespread but uneven, with nearly three-quarters reporting at least a basic or moderate understanding. Younger and more educated Australians consistently report higher levels of understanding.

"Use of GAI is already common, with almost half (48.6 per cent) of Australians having used GAI at least once. Adoption is much higher among younger Australians, those with tertiary qualifications, and people living in capital cities - indicating emerging digital capability divides."

Users reported clear individual-level benefits, especially time savings. Many used that time to undertake more complex tasks, handle greater volumes of work, or engage in more creative activities. Students and workers who used GAI reported meaningful improvements in study quality and job performance.

Concerns about data, skills, and critical-thinking capability persist, with majorities identifying lack of training or skills, privacy concerns, or fears of over-reliance as limiting their use of GAI.

Two-thirds (66.2 per cent) of survey respondents believed it was the Government's responsibility to govern the use of GAI.

"Almost half (48.1 per cent) of Australians believe an independent authority should govern the use of GAI,'' study co-author and Head of the ANU School of Politics and International Relations, Professor Nicholas Biddle, said.

"Eight in 10 (79.4 per cent) Australians are concerned or very concerned about GAI in politics. Specific concerns include the spreading of misinformation and the risk sensitive political data could be leaked to the wrong hands."

Senior leaders of organisations interviewed for the study saw AI as transformational technology with potential to reshape workflows, customer service, knowledge work, and internal processes. Organisations wanted clear standards, shared responsibilities, and greater transparency from technology providers.

Dr Herrington said the research showed there was a clear need for targeted capability-building, transparent governance frameworks and consistent labelling and disclosure practices for GAI use.

"Organisations will need to invest in training, develop clear internal and external standards for GAI use, and address privacy, data, and critical-thinking concerns through well-designed communication and safeguards,'' Dr Herrington said.

"Ensuring that the benefits of AI are realised across the whole population and that its risks are managed in a way that sustains public trust will require coordinated action across government, industry, and civil society."

The report is published on the ANU School of Cybernetics website.