Researchers are using AI despite not trusting the companies behind the technology, according to a new report.
More than three-quarters of researchers are using some form of artificial intelligence (AI) tool in their research, despite concerns about data security, intellectual property rights and AI's effectiveness, according to a new report.
A survey published Thursday by Oxford University Press (OUP) found that 76% of 2,345 respondents use AI tools when conducting their own research.
According to the report, chatbots and translators were the most popular tools, with usage rates of 43% and 49% respectively, followed by AI-powered research tools and search engines (25%).
The survey found that AI tools are used at all stages of research, and are most useful for finding, compiling, and summarizing existing research.
Despite high usage, the majority of respondents in the survey, conducted in March and April, said they did not trust AI companies. Only 8% “agree” or “strongly agree” that they trust the companies not to use their data without their permission. Even fewer — 6% — said they trust AI companies to meet their data and security requirements. Nearly 60% said AI companies could damage their intellectual property.
But these concerns are balanced by a widespread belief that AI is here to stay and will likely change the world. More than a third of those surveyed said AI will make research more efficient, the report said. Nearly the same number said AI will revolutionize the way academic research is conducted (28%) and how it is disseminated (27%).
“This research helps OUP to understand how researchers are thinking about generative AI and its use in their research,” said David Clarke, managing director of OUP. “As these technologies continue to develop rapidly, our priority is to work with researchers and the wider research community to set clear standards for how that evolution should take place,” Oxford University Press' head of academic affairs said in a statement.
Contrary to popular expectations, older and more established researchers are more open to embracing AI than their younger, less experienced counterparts. About 20% of Baby Boomers (classified as 60-79 years old) are considered “pioneers” of AI tools, meaning people who identify with the phrase “fully embracing AI.” While 17% of Gen Xers (50-59 years old) are classified as “pioneers,” only 15% of Millennials (up to age 39) are considered that way.
Meanwhile, Millennials lean more toward the opposite view, with 19% saying they are “completely opposed” to AI, while only 8% of Baby Boomers and Gen Xers say they are completely opposed to AI technology.
Similarly, those in the early stages of their careers are most opposed to AI, with 16 percent adamantly opposed to AI. Only 8 percent of those in the later stages of their careers are vehemently opposed to AI technology. The report did not specify what determined the “early” and “late” career classifications, but instead let respondents self-classify into those categories.
The survey was conducted across multiple geographies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Asia, Canada and Latin America. Respondents came from a range of disciplines, including humanities, science and mathematics, engineering and technology, and business.
