Emily MartinezIn a surprising twist, a recent report by Deloitte Australia has unveiled that nearly double the number of students are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) technology compared to employees in various industries. The study further issues a dire warning that AI is on the cusp of rapidly and significantly disrupting over $600 billion worth of economic activity, urging businesses to adapt or face the consequences.
The report, titled “Generation AI: Ready or not, here we come!” sheds light on a widening generational gap in AI adoption. While a staggering 58% of students are already utilizing AI tools, a mere 1.4% of Australian businesses have formally integrated AI into their operations. The generative AI technology, exemplified by tools like ChatGPT, has propelled students to take the lead in technological uptake, leaving businesses grappling to keep up.
Deloitte Australia CEO, Adam Powick, stressed the need for business leaders to recognize their pivotal role in guiding the responsible application of AI rather than shying away from it. The report also revealed that over 75% of employees harbored concerns about AI’s implications for personal data security and job stability.
The yawning gap between individual tech adoption and corporate inertia has experts cautioning about the disruptive potential of AI. With concerns already manifesting as seen in the SAG-AFTRA strike in the US, where fears of job displacement by AI sparked protests, it is clear that the rapid advance of AI technologies demands proactive adaptation from both businesses and workers alike.
Michelle Thompson
