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Risks and benefits of artificial intelligence

−11 from 2024

In 2026, 34% say the potential benefits of AI outweigh the potential risks to society.

Question Risks and benefits of artificial intelligence

Now a question about artificial intelligence or ‘AI’. The use of artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly widespread in the world. Weighing up the potential benefits and risks of AI, on balance, do you think:

  1. 0%
  2. 25%
  3. 50%
  4. 75%
  5. 100%
2024
45
52
2026
34
64
  • The potential benefits of AI outweigh the potential risks to society
  • The potential risks of AI outweigh the potential benefits to society
Total
All groups

2026 observation

The growing global use of artificial intelligence (AI) models such as Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s ChatGPT has prompted widespread discussion about the technology’s benefits and risks — from productivity enhancements and scientific developments to job losses and security threats such as deepfakes. A clear majority of Australians (64%) say the risks of AI outweigh the benefits, a 12-point increase since the last time this question was asked in 2024. Only 34% of Australians say the potential benefits outweigh the risks. This trend holds uniformly across demographic groups, including age, education, and income level.

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