Microsoft just dropped the ninth edition of its Global Online Safety Survey, offering a peek into how the world is navigating online safety. From tech habits to digital dilemmas, here's a breakdown of the key insights you shouldn’t miss.
What is the Methodology?
The survey gathered insights from 14,800 participants — teens, parents of 6–17-year-olds, and adults across 15 countries — through a web survey conducted between July 19 and August 9, 2024.
In India, generative AI seems to be having a moment, with usage soaring to more than twice the global average. But while AI brings plenty of perks, its misuse is raising a few eyebrows. Let’s break down the key findings from the survey.
This is What the Respondents Think
According to Microsoft’s survey, 65% of respondents jumped into AI in 2023, doubling the 31% from the same period earlier. Indian millennials are at the top with 84% usage, and weekly generative AI adoption has grown by 20% since last year. Meanwhile, 62% of respondents now feel confident in their AI knowledge.
As for the AI use cases, 69% use AI for translations, 67% for answering questions, 66% for work efficiency, and 64% for homework assistance. Solid productivity points all around.
Unfortunately, 76% of respondents are worried about online abuse, 74% about Deepfakes, 73% about online scams, and 70% about AI hallucinations—so that’s not the best look for AI. 80% of respondents are also worried about kids under 18 getting too cosy with this tech.
Diverse Expectations Among Parents
The survey found that 78% of parents believe their teens have encountered online risks, and 61% feel ready to discuss these challenges. Meanwhile, 82% of Indian teens confessed to facing online dangers.
Teens handled these risks differently: 85% chose to talk to someone, 84% blocked, unfriended, or closed accounts, and only 65% reported the issue. Many teens sought support from their parents, which is a positive takeaway, though some preferred to hit the block rather than have a conversation.
Generative AI is having a significant impact in India. While it offers plenty of helpful applications, unresolved challenges persist and we only hope for the tech to get better, leaving less scope for errors!
