Last March 13th, the European Parliament approved the AI Act, a set of European standards onArtificial intelligence. This measure has been positively received, as demonstrated by recent research conducted by Changes Unipol in collaboration with Ipsos, which analyzed Italians' perceptions and experiences regarding Artificial Intelligence.
According to research, 44% of respondents believe that implementing strict regulations on the use of AI is the most effective solution to prevent negative effects of technology. In particular, it is of widespread concern possible misinformation caused by the abuse of artificial intelligence, an aspect that worries 65% of Italians.
AI: Disinformation is the biggest concern
I most susceptible sectors to AI-generated disinformation are identified as security (with 34% of reported cases involving threats or false alerts), followed by economics (28%) and politics (27%). Health (24%) and human rights (23%) also raise concerns about the spread of false information.
Despite the high concern, especially among Baby Boomers, people between 60 and 79 years old, with a percentage of 70%, there is a widespread perception that it is possible distinguish information real from those generated by AI: 38% believe that this happens "always or most of the time" (43% among Millennials, 29-43 years old), 32% "rarely", while only 10% support that cannot be distinguished.
Measures to prevent disinformation
Italians believe that, in addition to implementing strict regulations on the use of AI, other effective measures may includeeducation and training of citizens (31%), it technology development to detect misinformation (31%), and the responsibility of media platforms to monitor and remove it fake news (29%).
Overall, 82% of compatriots consider it necessaryintroduction of at least one control measure on AI to combat the phenomenon.
Artificial Intelligence in the workplace is also a concern
In addition to misinformation, Italians' concerns about the use of AI focus on some aspects of life, personal and collective, which are deeply felt in particular with regards to work, with 87% believing that there they will at least be disadvantages. The main concerns concern the possible job loss (39%), the closure of craft businesses (32%), and fewer opportunities for workers with low digital literacy (30%).
However, 81% of Italians recognize at least one possible advantage for the world of work, such as the reduction of human errors in work processes (32%), broad access to data and information (28%), the simplification of activities (27%), and the reduction of workload (26%). Only 19% point to the creation of new jobs as a possible benefit. Generation Z shows a more positive opinion, finding benefits in simplifying tasks (34%) and increasing productivity (29%), but also expresses concerns about the threat to human creativity (34%).
The other concerns regarding AI, looking mainly towards the future, are mainly about the protection of personal data which will get worse for 34% of Italians, followed by digital security with the risk of cybercrime (32%), the communication between people (31%), and the quality of media information (30%). Also with regards to thetechnology, negative opinions prevail: only 26% believe that AI can help the climate, while 28% fear that it could have worsening effects.
Italians and artificial intelligence
70% of Italians have one at least basic knowledge of Artificial Intelligence, but only 12% declare having made use of it, even occasionally. Usage increases to 21% among Generation Z and decreases with age: 12% among Millennials, 11% among Generation X and just 5% among Baby Boomers.
La creation of textual content it is the most common use (40%), followed by use for personal or creative activities (34%), academic research (27%), and automation of household tasks (24%). Only 23% indicated they use it for work purposes.
45% of those who have tried it rate it "very useful", with a particularly positive opinion among Millennials (55%). Also considering those who consider it "quite useful", the satisfaction percentage rises to 88%.
Two out of three Italians still don't have adefinite opinion on AI, while among those who have it, half are attracted and curious (18%) while the other half are wary and worried about the implications (16%). Overall, almost 60% say they have at least a sufficient degree of trust in artificial intelligence on a scale of 1 to 10.
Generation Z shows greater interest (25%), while Baby Boomers tend to be unsure whether the positive or negative aspects of AI prevail (51%).
AI: predictions for the future
Looking at the next 5 years, Italians believe that AI Above all, digitalisation will improve of Public Administration (52%), followed by the possibility of enjoying cultural experiences (50%), shopping (48%), managing travel and mobility (46%), and the increased precision and speed of medical diagnoses (46 %).
Furthermore, according to the Italians, the job opportunities will overcome obstacles for young people (42%) and people with disabilities (34%) with AI, while more obstacles than opportunities are expected for people with little education (40%), those over 50 (36%) ), and immigrants (20%).
