How is artificial intelligence (AI) used in Germany for searching political information? Are chatbots like ChatGPT replacing traditional media? Eva Luise Knor and Dr. Michael Reiss addressed these questions in their research project, “Generative Artificial Intelligence for Information Navigation” They present their findings in a guest article for epd medien.
The article “Neugier und Skepsis: Wie KI für die Informationssuche genutzt wird” [Curiosity and Skepticism: How AI is Used for Information Search] has been published in German at epd medien.
Key Study Findings at a Glance:
- Artificial intelligence in applications such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, known as generative AI, is already used by almost 44 percent of the online population. Its use is profoundly correlated with age. Almost 96 percent of people between the ages of 16 and 19 are already using generative AI. Among people aged 60 to 69, however, the figure is just over 18 percent.
- Most users have rarely used generative AI to date because the technology has not yet been integrated into everyday life. However, this does not apply to young people in an educational context. The majority already uses generative AI in this context, which means we need to pay closer attention to the potential risks and benefits of its use.
- The most important reason for not using generative AI is the lack of a personal need for it. Additionally, older individuals, in particular, struggle to understand how and where generative AI can be used. If generative AI is to become accessible to everyone, these barriers must be addressed.
- Currently, the use of generative AI for political information or as a substitute for news is not widespread. Those who use generative AI for these purposes also consume traditional news media at a higher rate, which mitigates concerns that generative AI could replace journalism.
In their guest article, Knor and Reiss emphasize that the study is a snapshot that should be regularly reviewed, as the technical development and integration of generative AI into various application areas are still in their infancy. To promote the responsible use of these new technologies, they argue that it is crucial to strengthen media literacy and critical thinking in a targeted manner with profound aim.