The Rise of Generative AI Among Teenagers
Global Adoption of Generative AI Surveys
According to Microsoft’s Global Online Safety Survey, the adoption of artificial intelligence by the general public has grown significantly despite the fears it raises. The survey, conducted across 15 countries last year, reveals that 51% of people have used or experimented with generative AI in the past three months, an increase of 13 points over the previous year.
Regional Preferences
Across all age groups, people from India are the biggest fans of generative AI, with 80% having already tried the tech. They are followed by those in Singapore (66%), South Africa (60%), Brazil (53%), and the United States (50%). On the other hand, the French are the least interested, with only 35% saying they have already tested these tools.
Concerns and Risks
However, 88% of all respondents say they are concerned about the risks posed by this technology, particularly in terms of data protection and image manipulation. The survey also reveals that 66% of respondents have been exposed to a risk related to generative AI in the past year. The most frequent dangers include misinformation or disinformation (47%), hate speech (33%), access to violent content (27%), and cyberbullying (21%).
Teenagers’ Experiences
Among the most exposed are teenagers: when faced with an online risk, the majority of them change the content, block a contact or mute the sound (74%). They then do not hesitate to talk to someone about their experience (66%). Only 37% report the incident, believing it would change nothing and that it would have no consequences for the perpetrator.
Parental Concerns
The gap between the risks actually experienced by teenagers and their parents’ assessment of them is gradually narrowing: last year, 63% of parents believed their children had been exposed to an online risk, while 69% of teenagers said they had actually experienced it. In terms of usage, young people are keen on the practical applications of AI, such as translation or homework help, but concerns are emerging about possible misuse.
Identification of AI-Generated Content
The study also highlights a lack of ability when it comes to identifying AI-generated content: only 38% of those surveyed were able to distinguish a real picture from an artificially generated image in a test.
Conclusion
The rise of generative AI among teenagers has become a global phenomenon, with concerns and risks emerging alongside practical applications. As the technology continues to evolve, it is essential to address these concerns and ensure that AI is used responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is generative AI, and how does it work?
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can generate new content, such as images, videos, or text, based on patterns and structures it has learned from existing data. - What are the potential risks associated with generative AI?
The potential risks of generative AI include the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and access to harmful content, as well as the potential for misuse and manipulation. - How can parents and educators help teenagers use generative AI responsibly?
Parents and educators can help teenagers use generative AI responsibly by teaching them about the potential risks and benefits, encouraging them to use AI-generated content with caution, and promoting critical thinking and digital literacy.