Only 27% of Australians Confident Using AI as Fears Grow, Research Finds

Sydney — Only 27% of Australians feel confident using artificial intelligence (AI), while nearly four in 10 are worried about its impact on society and the environment, exposing a significant public knowledge gap as the technology becomes more widespread.

A nationally representative survey of 2,000 Australian adults by Good Things Australia found that 51% were unsure when it was appropriate to use AI in everyday life.

Among people aged over 75, confidence fell to just 10%.

The findings also point to uncertainty about the content AI produces, with 22% of respondents unsure how to distinguish AI-generated material from authentic content.

Analysts say the results raise questions about whether Australians are developing the skills needed to assess and use AI responsibly as its applications expand.

Good Things Australia Chief Executive, Jess Wilson, said familiarity with the tools did not necessarily translate into the ability to judge their reliability or suitability.

“Being able to open an AI tool isn’t the same as knowing when to use it, what to trust or when to question what it gives you,” Wilson said.

The survey found that 36% of Australians wanted to learn more about AI, suggesting demand for practical guidance alongside concerns about the technology's wider consequences.

Those interested in learning identified several priorities, including how to use AI applications, stay safe online, write effective prompts and verify AI-generated content.

Wilson said the response should involve technology companies, government and community organisations working together to improve public understanding.

“Companies have a responsibility to make tools safer and easier to understand, government has a role in making sure people aren’t left behind and trusted community organisations can provide the practical support people need,” she said.

The findings come ahead of Get Online Week, a national digital inclusion campaign running from October 19 to 25.

Around half of the events planned across Australia this year will include AI-related activities or support, reflecting the growing need for assistance with the technology.

The campaign, led by Good Things Australia, will offer free community-based help with digital skills, including using smartphones, accessing online services, improving online safety and understanding AI tools.

The potential benefits of such support are illustrated by 89-year-old Melbourne resident, Raissa Bolotnikova, who began using technology more confidently after joining the Be Connected programme.

Bolotnikova did not own a computer or iPad before participating in the programme.

She now has a laptop, regularly attends computer courses and uses ChatGPT, including asking questions through voice commands.

Her experience offers an example of how practical instruction can help older people engage with digital technology, although the survey found that confidence with AI remains particularly low among Australians over 75.

Good Things Australia and the National AI Centre will also hold a cross-sector roundtable during Get Online Week to discuss effective approaches to community-based AI education.

Government, industry, academia and community organisations are expected to explore ways to improve public skills and confidence.

The research was conducted online by independent research company PureProfile in August 2026.

The sample was weighted against Australian Bureau of Statistics data for age, gender and location.

Good Things Australia cautioned that people experiencing the highest levels of digital exclusion may be underrepresented because the survey was conducted online.

The actual scale of the digital skills gap could therefore be greater than the results suggest.

Get Online Week 2026 is supported by Be Connected, the National AI Centre, Aussie Broadband, nbn Co, auDA and Meltwater.

Good Things Australia works with community organisations to improve digital access and confidence, including among older people, migrant and refugee women, people with disability, parents and families.