Despite fears that artificial intelligence (AI) could one day steal their jobs, more Canadians are turning to the tools it offers, according to a new survey.

The survey, conducted by Léger, concluded that 30% of the Canadian population now uses artificial intelligence tools, compared to 25% a year ago. However, two-thirds of respondents admitted that the prospect of having access to this technology in their lives was worrying.

The survey of 1,614 people across the country shows a clear gap between the perceptions of young and older peopleAI : 58% of 18- to 34-year-olds reported using itAIcompared to just 13% of those over 55.

However, Christian Bourque, vice-president general of Léger, estimates that the number of people who have been exposed or interacted with has increasedAI is probably higher than stated as some people may not know they are using it.

The 18- to 34-year-olds surveyed were more familiar with the concept (64%).AI in the form of conversation robots, a computer program that simulates and processes a human conversation. For those over 55, the figure is 38%. Those who have used services or toolsAI had generally good experiences with it, with 71% rating it good or excellent.

Mixed opinions

However, Canadians generally seem to have mixed feelings on the issue: 31% of respondents believe these tools are good for society and 32% believe the opposite. People's positions on the issue varied depending on age; 42% of young people thought that the tools ofAI were good for society, compared to only 23% of older people.