Research indicates a significant generational divide in the use of artificial intelligence technology among Australians, with younger individuals increasingly turning to chatbots and other generative AI tools. Findings from the 2025 Australian Digital Inclusion Index reveal that students, professionals, and non-English speakers are among the most frequent users, while those aged over 65 and First Nations people show lower engagement with this technology.
The index, released on October 25, 2023, was developed by researchers from RMIT University, Swinburne University, and Telstra. It is based on a survey of more than 3,000 Australians, complemented by two surveys involving 2,800 First Nations individuals. The report highlights that digital connectivity in Australia has improved by 4.8 points since 2023, although approximately one in five Australians remain excluded from digital technology.
Professor Anthony McCosker from Swinburne University emphasized that the issue of digital exclusion is more than a mere inconvenience. He stated, “Digital exclusion cuts people off from vital services and opportunities in education, work, and health.”
Tasmania ranked the lowest in digital ability, affordability, and access, achieving only 69.4 points on the index. Other regions, including South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland, also scored below the national average. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) topped the index with a score of 79.5 points, followed by Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia.
The survey introduced questions about generative AI technology for the first time this year, revealing that nearly half of the respondents, 45 percent, reported using AI tools. Younger Australians, particularly those aged between 18 and 34, demonstrated the highest usage rates, with 69 percent regularly engaging with generative AI. In comparison, only 15 percent of individuals aged 65 to 74 and 10 percent of those over 75 indicated similar usage.
Students led the way in AI adoption, with 78 percent reporting regular use of these tools, followed closely by professionals at 67 percent. Additionally, 58 percent of respondents who spoke a language other than English also utilized generative AI.
Despite its potential benefits, individuals with disabilities and First Nations people are less likely to use these tools, even though they stand to gain significantly from them. Julian Thomas, a distinguished professor at RMIT University, highlighted the importance of equitable implementation. He stated, “Gen AI has the potential to deliver significant benefits for everyone, but its impact will be greatest if it’s implemented fairly and no one is left behind in the digital transformation.”
The report concluded with five recommendations aimed at closing the digital divide, which include providing concessional broadband access for low-income households and implementing training programs to enhance digital skills. As Australia prepares to release a comprehensive national AI plan by the end of 2025, addressing these disparities will be crucial for ensuring equitable technological advancement across all demographics.
