Exploring temporal and cross-national patterns: The use of generative AI in science-related information retrieval across seven countries

This study explores the role of ChatGPT in science-related information retrieval, building on research conducted in 2023. Drawing on online survey data from seven countries — Australia, Denmark, Germany, Israel, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States — and two data collection points (2023 and 2024), the study highlights ChatGPT's growing role as an information intermediary, reflecting the rapid diffusion of generative AI (GenAI). While GenAI adoption is a global phenomenon, distinct regional variations emerge in the use of ChatGPT for science-related searches. Additionally, the study finds that a specific subset of the population is more likely to use ChatGPT for science-related information retrieval. Across all countries surveyed, science-information seekers report higher levels of trust in GenAI compared to non-users. They also exhibit a stronger understanding of how (Gen)AI works and, with some notable exceptions, show greater awareness of its epistemic limitations.