Australia (Commonwealth)_A recent collaborative report by KPMG, Microsoft, and Year 13 has shed light on the evolving landscape of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) usage among Generation Z (Gen Z) Australians. The findings reveal that an overwhelming 84% of Gen Z individuals have engaged with Gen AI for various purposes, ranging from educational to personal and professional endeavors. Notably, the study highlights disparities in AI adoption across socio-economic, cultural, and gender lines, emphasizing the importance of equitable access and education to prepare youth for the AI-driven future.
The survey, titled “AI Amplified: What Gen Zs Think of AI,” surveyed 1048 individuals aged between 15 and 24, uncovering a notable ‘artificial intelligence gap’. Despite the high usage rate, only 27% of respondents claimed to possess an ‘excellent/very good’ understanding of AI. This gap in understanding is particularly pronounced among individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, indicating a pressing need for targeted educational resources and opportunities.
According to Will Stubley, Co-Founder of Year13, the survey findings underscore the growing significance of AI in the lives of young Australians and the necessity of empowering them with the skills and knowledge to leverage AI effectively. While youth express excitement about AI’s potential, there remains a realistic awareness of its benefits and risks, highlighting the importance of comprehensive education on the subject.
The research reveals stark differences in AI understanding and usage based on socio-economic status, with 41% of youth from low socio-economic backgrounds reporting a ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ understanding compared to only 25% from more affluent families. Similarly, individuals from CALD backgrounds demonstrate a stronger interest in learning about AI, emphasizing the need for inclusive education initiatives.
Gender disparities in AI engagement are also evident, with 32% of male respondents expressing significant interest in AI compared to just 18% of females. This gender gap underscores the importance of addressing barriers to female participation in IT and promoting gender equity in AI education and usage.
John Munnelly, Chief Digital Officer at KPMG Australia, highlights the transformative potential of AI and the pivotal role of Gen Z as drivers of change in the AI landscape. However, Munnelly emphasizes the importance of ensuring equitable access and support for all young people, particularly women and girls, to build confidence and skills in AI.
Despite the widespread usage of AI for personal and educational purposes, the study indicates a gap in AI education within schools, with only 40% of students reporting exposure to AI-related curriculum. Over half of the respondents expressed the need for more AI activities and projects in educational settings to better prepare them for an AI-driven future.
Among the Gen AI tools used by Gen Z Australians, ChatGPT emerges as the most popular, followed by Snapchat My AI Chatbot and Quillbot. Microsoft’s General Manager of Corporate External and Legal Affairs, John Galligan, underscores the importance of ensuring equitable access to AI tools and resources to prevent anyone from being left behind in the AI revolution.
In light of these findings, stakeholders are called upon to develop measures aimed at fostering broad inclusion and access to AI knowledge and usage among Gen Z Australians. By addressing disparities in AI education and engagement across socio-economic, cultural, and gender lines, Australia can better prepare its youth for the challenges and opportunities presented by an AI-driven future.
In conclusion, bridging the AI divide is essential to empower Gen Z Australians to thrive in an increasingly AI-centric world, and concerted efforts are needed to ensure equitable access to AI education and resources for all.
