Live: How has AI and tech changed your life? Australians share their stories

Australians are engaging in a national conversation about the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence and technology on their daily lives. ABC Australia is hosting a live blog where individuals can share their stories and pose questions to experts.

The discussion highlights a duality in technology's impact: while it offers convenience and makes everyday tasks easier, it also raises significant concerns. These include the potential for AI to replace jobs, the risk of privacy breaches, the spread of misinformation, and the issue of digital exclusion.

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on our ability to think, mostly on the younger generations

Cybersecurity expert Mihai Lazarescu from Curtin University and ABC's AI reporter Cam Wilson are participating in the live blog. They are addressing public inquiries on topics ranging from data breaches and online safety to the broader societal implications of AI.

One participant, Maya from regional NSW, expressed concern about AI's effect on the thinking abilities of younger generations. She also noted a difference in AI usage between younger and older demographics, with older individuals potentially exhibiting an over-reliance on AI for tasks that could be managed through simpler means or independent thought.

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There also exists a difference in the use of AI (at least from what I've seen) in how young people vs older people use it. I'm most concerned about how the youngest kids, under 10, or in early high school, are going to be affected by this. But however, the older generations, (older than me) don't seem to find any issues with AI, and don't seem to notice their own growing over-reliance on AI for tasks a normal google search would be fine for, or even thinking for themselves!