Abstract
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has become a transformative force across personal, academic, and professional domains, reshaping societal structures. This study explores GenAI’s adoption, societal impact, and ethical challenges through a macro-level analysis, based on a survey of 542 participants. The research examines demographic disparities, digital literacy, and cultural influences to assess usage patterns, perceptions, and barriers to integration. Findings reveal significant demographic disparities in GenAI adoption. Younger adults, particularly those aged 26–35, and individuals with higher education levels are frequent users, leveraging GenAI for professional tasks like coding and data analysis. Conversely, marginalized communities face barriers such as limited infrastructure and low digital literacy, emphasizing the need for equitable access and tailored training. Digital literacy emerged as a critical factor, with professionals in fields like technology and healthcare reporting higher adoption rates. The study underscores the importance of designing accessible and user-friendly systems to bridge the digital divide. Ethical concerns, including bias, accountability, and privacy, significantly shape societal perceptions of GenAI. Participants highlighted the need for transparent, culturally sensitive, and ethically designed systems to foster trust and responsible adoption. While GenAI enhances creativity and productivity, concerns about mental health and societal inequities persist. This research provides actionable insights into promoting equitable and ethical GenAI integration. By addressing barriers to access, fostering transparency, and embedding ethical principles, GenAI can drive innovation and equity, ensuring its benefits are shared across diverse societal frameworks.
Presenters
Ajmal AmineeAdjunct Professor, Information System and Business Analytics, California State University - Sacramento, California, United States
