Many Americans lack a general understanding of artificial intelligence and how people already are using AI in their daily lives, new research from Barna Group finds.
“As AI becomes a more common component in the rhythms of daily life, many Americans don’t even realize they’re engaging with it,” Barna CEO David Kinnaman said. “From personalized movie recommendations to predictive text that finishes our thoughts, AI is becoming a companion in the background of everyday tasks. As this technology is increasingly utilized, educating people — especially within faith communities — about its presence and impact will be essential for navigating a future shaped by AI.”
Although two in five U.S. adults say they regularly use technology such as smart home devices, in-device assistants such as Siri and facial recognition, all of which use AI, 57 percent claim to not use AI in their daily lives. Explaining AI can change sentiments to be more favorable. After education, people felt AI to be less concerning, scary and disconnecting.
Researchers also explored the emotional connection between users and generative AI tools. Most U.S. adults make an effort to be polite when interacting with AI tools such as Alexa and Siri or chatbots such as ChatGPT. This might be linked to a belief that respectful interactions with AI can lead to more-positive experiences, mirroring the social dynamics they apply in human interactions. Among those who use generative AI at least monthly:
- Three in four millennials and Gen Xers, along with 65 percent of boomers, try to be polite when asking a question or giving a prompt.
- Two in five millennials say “thank you” when AI answers questions.
- One in three people feel they are doing something wrong if using an unkind tone of voice.
- Among U.S. adults who use digital assistants, one in five believes these tools may be capable of having emotions.
- Millennials tend to show the highest levels of respect and dignity, while boomers find that less important.
These trends point to a deeper, more complex reality: Whether consciously or not, people are inclined to humanize AI.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice