Australians' interest in AI hits record high, Google data reveals

New data from Google Search has disclosed an all-time curiosity and interest peak in AI (Artificial Intelligence) among Australians. The figures indicate an increasing number of Australians are looking at novel ways of using AI to ignite creativity, augment productivity, and optimise business outcomes in their day-to-day lives.

According to the latest Google Search trends, AI-related search interest has surged by 50% within Australia over the past year. The most frequently asked AI-related question worldwide is: "What is AI?" which is also at an all-time search high, globally. Australian residents are reportedly turning to AI technology to facilitate various endeavours including learning new languages, innovating in art, comics, and music, building apps, and establishing new businesses.

Mel Silva, Managing Director of Google Australia and New Zealand, suggests this trend shows a thriving interest in AI. She emphasises that Australians are employing Search to gain a clearer understanding of AI's potential and challenges through their incessant enquiries. She expresses: "Australians are fascinated by AI and are looking for opportunities to learn new skills, boost their creativity and figure out how they can embrace the technology to further their businesses and careers."

Fulfilling Australians' latest fascination, AI is empowering them to push boundaries, innovate beyond previous capabilities, and rethink daily customer engagement methods. Ms Silva notes: "These search trends show just how curious Australians are about AI, and how it can help them to market products, build companies and change the way we engage with customers every day. Business and AI related queries are at an all-time high this quarter."

She believes this widespread curiosity represents a positive sign for the country as it continues to spearhead technological advances. "These trends show that Aussies are inspired by the opportunities, while also being conscious of the need to address concerns related to detection, accuracy and the impact on industries in the future," Ms Silva added. Google's $1 billion Digital Future Initiative, launched last year, is set to strengthen this AI interest by supporting safe, responsible AI technology investments and by bridging the gap between businesses, researchers, top organisations, industries, and government bodies.

In a broader context, global search interest in AI has more than doubled over the last year and witnessed an astounding 580% increase in the past two years. The report also reveals a significant rise in the interest in generative artificial intelligence, up by more than 5000% from last year. Image editing and content similarity detection are among the top two AI-related trending topics worldwide.

Recognising AI's potential in businesses, many Australians are asking: "How to make money with AI?" and inquiring about using AI for marketing strategies. It seems AI has indisputably made an imprint in people's mindsets, and the art of leveraging it in a multiplicity of ways is only burgeoning.