Almost Half of Austrians Regularly Use AI Applications

Recent findings indicate that nearly 50% of Austrians are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their daily lives. A survey conducted by the Vienna-based market research firm Demox Research in August included responses from 1,000 representative participants aged 16 and older, aimed at exploring the usage patterns, awareness, and future expectations regarding AI in the country.

The results reveal that 44% of respondents regularly utilize AI tools such as ChatGPT, MetaAI, and Google Gemini in both personal and professional settings. The trend is particularly pronounced among individuals under 30, where six out of ten are already employing AI technologies in their work environments. This shift suggests that AI is becoming a commonplace tool in Austria, similar to the evolution of smartphones over the past 15 years, as noted by the study's director.

In terms of professional use, over a third of those surveyed (37%) reported using AI for job-related tasks or having encountered it in some capacity at work. Conversely, 54% indicated they had little to no interaction with AI applications like ChatGPT in their professional lives. However, this disconnect is stark among younger demographics, with a significant portion actively integrating AI into their daily work routines.

AI is also making inroads into shopping behaviors, with 35% of respondents acknowledging they use AI-driven product searches or recommendations regularly or occasionally. This trend highlights the expanding role of AI in consumer decision-making.

Looking ahead, 59% of participants expressed optimism about the advantages AI may bring. Among seniors aged over 60, 60% believe that AI will play a significantly more important role in the future. Nevertheless, there are concerns: 28% fear that reliance on AI could lead to a decline in human creativity, and 26% worry about potential data privacy issues. Similarly, another 26% see challenges in distinguishing between human and artificial intelligence.

It is evident that skepticism towards AI is closely linked to the level of information individuals possess. Those who feel informed and engaged with AI technologies tend to have a more favorable view, while those with less exposure are more critical of its implications.