How many people do you know IRL who know about and regularly use AI and LLMs?

Understanding Public Perception and Usage of Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) are transforming various industries and personal routines. However, a striking observation remains: despite their growing prominence, many people in our immediate social circles seem largely disconnected from or resistant to AI technology.

This phenomenon raises an important question—how many individuals in real life are familiar with AI and actively incorporate it into their daily activities? Anecdotal evidence suggests that only a handful of acquaintances are regularly leveraging AI tools for tasks like learning new skills, creating content, or managing daily challenges. Conversely, a significant portion of friends and family either oppose AI outright, remain unaware of its capabilities, or have misconceptions about its purpose and utility.

One notable reason for resistance stems from concerns about the environmental impact of processing large AI models. For instance, a friend expressed apprehension about AI’s energy consumption, which is a valid consideration. After researching, I found that while AI does consume a considerable amount of energy, its overall footprint is still relatively small compared to tech giants like Google, Microsoft, or Amazon, which operate at a far larger scale.

On the other hand, many are simply uninformed about what AI can do. There’s a common misconception that AI is merely a more sophisticated search engine or a tool for writing emails and essays. This limited understanding prevents many from exploring its full potential. Personally, I find it perplexing that such a significant portion of the population is not utilizing AI as a resource to improve productivity, learn new hobbies, or overcome challenges like ADHD.

AI has become a powerful assistant, capable of enhancing creativity, efficiency, and learning. While it’s not necessary to rely on it exclusively, embracing its benefits can make a tangible difference in everyday life. It’s surprising and somewhat disheartening that so many remain wary of these tools despite the clear advantages they offer.

As AI continues to develop, fostering greater awareness and understanding can lead to more widespread adoption—ensuring we all can benefit from this transformative technology.