Australians still sceptical about AI tech

The majority of Australians are concerned about artificial intelligence (AI) causing job losses, and that the technology will not respond adequately in an emergency, new research shows.

The YouGov Galaxy Artificial IntelligenceStudy, commissioned by Red Agency, suggests that while 87% of respondents would like to see AI technology advance in the future, many also remain sceptical about its effectiveness.

Additionally, more than half of Australians are worried about governments or private companies using AI to spy or keep track of individuals (52%) or the technology leading to more wars if it falls into the wrong hands (52%).

Most workers (57%) believe automation and technological advancements pose a threat to their current job, while a third (33%) are confident that robots could never perform their current job. Those most enthusiastic about AI are more likely to think the increasing use of technology poses a threat to their job while in contrast, those concerned about AI are more likely to take the view that robots could never perform their job.

Nevertheless, when it comes to AI demonstrating functional benefits, Australians are more buoyant about future possibilities. Six in 10 would like to see the development of systems that will help doctors choose the most appropriate medication for their patients while others would like to see advancement of speech recognition software (37%) and self-drive cars (37%).

James Wright, CEO of Red Agency, said the study’s findings demonstrate a great opportunity to bring Australians closer to the technology to give them a deeper understanding of what it can do.

“The research highlights there is still a fair way to go to convince Australians about the merits of AI. Clearly, perceptions need to shift — 43% still typically think of robots when it comes to AI and there is a significant concern about the role of the technology in the workplace,” he said.

“But we’re not Luddites. Aussies understand how AI can help transform our future with health care the number one area we would like to see focused on. Now is the time for innovators and decision-makers to get together to demonstrate its value, developing technologies for good and giving confidence to Aussies that its role will enhance our future way of life.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/the_lightwriter

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