For the past couple of years, Canadians have been exposed to AI like never before. What began as a collection of pictures that were not particularly lifelike gave way to remarkably expressive filters based on cartoon characters. Now AI is assisting people with everything, from synthesizing email communications to organizing ideas and plans.

You know how important an issue has become when the American animated show South Park chooses to satirize it. An episode that aired last month comically suggested that ChatGPT is simply branding all of an individual’s ideas as “good”.

While Canadians do not currently share the cynicism of South Park, they certainly are skeptical. The level of interest in the issue is lower than two years ago. Just under three in five Canadians (56 per cent, down four points since 2023) told us they are following news stories about AI “very closely” or “moderately closely.”

For Canadians aged 55 and over—the generation that is more likely to look to print, radio and TV news—AI is not especially appealing. Only 47 per cent of the country’s oldest adults are interested in this topic, compared to 56 per cent among those aged........

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