The hype surrounding generative AI is levelling off - new insights into use, fears and regulation

Following the publication of ChatGPT in November 2022, generative AI systems have spread relatively quickly in Germany. The European Union’s new AI regulation also recently came into force. But how is generative artificial intelligence now used and perceived in a private and professional context? A representative study by the Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation (bidt) of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities examines this question. On behalf of the bidt Think Tank, the market research institute Reppublika Research & Analytics surveyed a total of 1,500 internet users aged 18 and over in Germany in September and October 2024, including 768 working people.

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Study

Prevalence of generative AI in private and professional life 2024

Use of generative AI in Germany is stagnating – the three most used AI systems

Although around three quarters (73 percent) of internet users in Germany have heard of generative AI, only 35 percent use this technology so far. This means that usage remains at a similar level to 2023, with young and highly educated people in particular making use of the applications. ChatGPT dominates the ranking: a total of 81 percent of users of generative AI state that they have already used this chatbot. Google Gemini (30 percent) and Microsoft Copilot (26 percent) are far behind. Specifically developed or customised AI solutions are also increasingly being used in companies.

Only one in four employees uses generative AI at work – but usually successfully

Contrary to popular belief, generative AI has not become more firmly established in the professional environment in the last year. Only a quarter (25 percent) of employees in Germany still use generative AI at work. However, those who do use it predominantly report time savings, inspiration for new ideas and helpful support with difficult tasks. The results are also critically reviewed by 70 percent of professional users. Almost half of employees (46 percent) who use the technology use it at least once a week. The number of super users who even use generative AI almost daily is still over a fifth (22 percent). At the same time, it is clear that companies still often lack clear guidelines on the use of generative AI.

Antonia Schlude, scientific advisor at the bidt Think Tank, emphasises:

The upheavals in the world of work caused by generative AI will primarily affect higher-skilled occupational groups. However, one interesting result of our study is that where the technology has been used so far, its added value is usually also recognised.

Antonia Schlude To the profile

Fear of losing one’s job is decreasing – scepticism remains

Concerns that generative artificial intelligence could jeopardise their own job have decreased remarkably compared to the previous year. Only four percent of all employees fear a complete loss of employment in the next ten years – compared to eleven percent in 2023. However, those who have already gained experience with generative AI remain sceptical. They are more likely to expect the partial loss of their own tasks due to automation (58 percent) than people who do not use this technology in their job (39 percent). Overall, more than half of those in employment assume that the use of generative AI will generally lead to job losses in the future.

AI regulation: knowledge low – demands for regulation high

Only 36 percent of Germans are aware of the AI regulation that came into force in August 2024. Nevertheless, every second person is calling for stronger regulation of generative AI. The bidt study shows that there is a lack of information about the regulation, but also doubts as to whether it can keep pace with the rapid technological developments.

Dr Roland A. Stürz, Head of Department at the bidt Think Tank, summarises:

The results emphasise the need to promote the development of information and skills. Clear rules and strategies are needed for dealing with generative AI in order to exploit the potential and minimise risks. Politics, business and society are equally responsible for actively shaping the change.

Dr. Roland A. Stürz To the profile