Half of Australians unsure when using AI is appropriate in daily life
More than half of Australians are unsure when to use artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life, highlighting a growing gap between the rapid development of technology and people's confidence in using it.
Research released by Good Things Australia in 2026 found that only 27% of Australians feel confident using AI, while 51% are uncertain about when it is appropriate to use the technology. Confidence drops to just 10% among people aged over 75.
The findings come ahead of Get Online Week 2026, running from October 19 to 25. Community organisations across Australia will offer free support to help people improve their digital skills, with around half of this year's events featuring AI-related activities.
Good Things Australia CEO Jess Wilson said access to AI tools did not automatically mean people knew how to use them safely, recognise unreliable information or understand when to question AI-generated answers.
The research also found that 36% of Australians want to learn more about AI. Popular topics include using AI applications, staying safe online, writing effective prompts and identifying AI-generated content.
However, concerns remain about the technology's wider effects. Around 39% of Australians are worried about AI's impact on society and the environment, while 22% are unsure how to distinguish AI-generated material from genuine content.
Wilson said technology companies, governments and community organisations all had a role in helping people understand AI and avoid being left behind as digital technology advances.
One example is 89-year-old Melbourne resident Raissa Bolotnikova, who gained confidence through the Be Connected program. She previously had no computer or iPad but now owns a laptop, attends computer classes and uses ChatGPT, including its voice feature.
Her experience highlights how practical training can help older Australians overcome barriers to using new technology.
During Get Online Week, Good Things Australia and the National AI Centre will also bring together representatives from government, industry, universities and community organisations to discuss effective ways to improve AI literacy across the country.
The initiative aims to help more Australians use AI confidently, understand its limitations and make informed decisions in an increasingly digital world.
Stay tuned with Aus News Lanka – the leading platform for news for Australians.
Source : Press Released.
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