A recent survey indicates that despite the considerable hype surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) products such as ChatGPT, very few people are using them regularly. Conducted by the Reuters Institute and Oxford University, the survey gathered responses from 12,000 individuals across six countries, including the UK. In the UK, a mere 2% of respondents reported daily use of these AI tools.

Interestingly, the study highlights a significant generational divide in AI adoption. While overall public interest appears low, young adults aged 18 to 24 are the most enthusiastic users of AI technology. Dr. Richard Fletcher, the lead author of the report, noted a "mismatch" between the widespread hype and the actual public interest in AI.

The research focused on generative AI tools, a new wave of technology capable of producing human-like responses to text prompts, as well as generating images, audio, and video. Generative AI gained significant attention with the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, sparking a competitive race among tech companies to develop their own AI features.

Despite the billions of dollars invested in generative AI, the study suggests that these tools have not yet become part of people's everyday internet use. Dr. Fletcher pointed out that "large parts of the public are not particularly interested in generative AI," with 30% of UK respondents unaware of prominent products like ChatGPT.

The survey also delved into public perceptions of generative AI's impact. While the majority anticipate significant societal changes in the next five years, especially in news, media, and science, views on its overall benefits are mixed. Most respondents believe generative AI will improve their personal lives, but they are more skeptical about its broader societal impact.

"People’s hopes and fears for generative AI vary a lot depending on the sector," Dr. Fletcher told the BBC. Optimism is higher regarding the use of AI in science and healthcare, but there is more apprehension about its application in news and journalism and concerns about job security.

The findings underscore the importance of a nuanced approach to AI, involving governments and regulators in the ongoing debate. The survey's results are based on an online questionnaire conducted in Argentina, Denmark, France, Japan, the UK, and the USA.

As the conversation around AI continues, it is clear that while the technology holds great promise, its integration into daily life and its overall societal impact remain subjects of careful consideration and debate.