Voices Against Misuse: A Survey-Based Study on the Need for Ethical Regulation of Generative AI Tools

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) has developed at such a remarkable pace that it has nearly accelerated beyond our ability to create new things and simplify certain everyday tasks, with these benefits also bringing about incredibly serious issues (e.g., fake information, misleading information, web frauds, etc.). This study examines the perception of risks associated with using AI by crowds of individuals through surveying their level of awareness of risk/reward ratio when using AI. The findings of our research indicate that while there is a sizable percentage of users using an AI application regularly, most users are not completely aware or able to differentiate between authentic and false forms of media when it comes to the use of AI. In addition, many participants claimed to have witnessed some type of AI abuse and were highly concerned about the societal consequences of AI abuse. Finally, the results show that there is no high level of confidence regarding corporate practices of self-regulation by means of high levels of regulation and official mandates, and there is a belief that stricter regulations and official oversight will continue to be required moving forward. In conclusion, the exploratory survey emphasizes the need for greater public awareness, clearer guidelines for use of AI in compliance, and ethical standards to reduce misuse and associated risks.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, AI Misuse, Deepfakes, Misinformation, AI Ethics, Regulation, Public Awareness, Survey-Based Study, AI Governance