Google’s ‘Search Trends’ shows Australians are fascinated, inspired and curious about AI

Google Australia has shared new search trends for Q1 2024, showing we’re “increasingly focused on the potential of AI and are looking for ways to use the technology to spark creativity, drive business outcomes and improve productivity in their everyday lives.”

Google reports its “Google Trends” data showing search interest in AI has increased by 50% in Australia in the past 12 months, with the information below from a Google media release.

We’re told that “What is AI?” is the top question related to AI globally and is currently being searched at an all-time high, with the data showing Australians are also turning to the technology to create art, comics, and music, learn languages, build apps, and start new businesses.

Mel Silva, Managing Director of Google Australia and New Zealand, says the trend is reveals a keen interest in AI as people turn to Search to answer endless questions about AI and better understand the opportunities and challenges it presents.

“Australians are fascinated by AI and are looking for opportunities to learn new skills, boost their creativity and figure out how they can embrace the technology to further their businesses and careers,” Ms Silva said.

“AI is empowering us to push the bounds, experiment and innovate more than ever. These search trends show just how curious Australians are about AI, and how it can help them to market products, build companies and change the way we engage with customers every day. Business and AI related queries are at an all-time high this quarter.”

“This fascination about AI is a positive sign for Australia as we continue to pioneer technology breakthroughs. There’s no doubt in mind that our country has the talent and resources to lead the way.”

“These trends show that Aussies are inspired by the opportunities, while also being conscious of the need to address concerns related to detection, accuracy and the impact on industries in the future.”

“With the Digital Future Initiative, we’ll continue to support this curiosity by investing in AI technology in a safe and responsible way. We’re bringing leading businesses, researchers, industry and government together to discover new applications of AI and put AI directly in the hands of people and businesses with the skills to use it.”

Google Australia launched its $1 billion Digital Future Initiative in 2021, with focus on investing in AI partnerships with leading Australian organisations such as CSIRO, Cochlear and several leading universities.

Global trends

Search interest in artificial intelligence has more than doubled globally in the past 12 months and interest has increased +580% over the past two years.
Search interest in generative artificial intelligence has increased by more than +5000% in the past 12 months.
Image editing and content similarity detection are two of the top trending topics related to AI globally in the past year.
“What is AI?” is the top question related to artificial intelligence globally and it is currently being searched at an all-time high.

Top “how to” questions in Australia