- Three in four young users see AI as useful, older users lack some confidence
- Emerging economies adopt generative AI the most
- They also spend most of their time in front of screens, leading to poor well-being.
According to new research from Cisco, there are several categories of AI, including geographic disparity and generational differences, that could have an effect on how users perceive AI.
Unsurprisingly, the youngest users (under 35) are the most likely to engage on digital platforms and therefore have the highest active use of AI, at 50%. On the other hand, half of people over 45 have not used AI at all, and those over 55 cite ignorance or outright rejection when it comes to lack of trust in AI.
“Generation gaps in digital and AI adoption are not inevitable, they are challenges we can all address through specific actions,” said Global Innovation Officer and Senior Vice President Guy Diedrich.
Perception of AI changes by age and geography
Nearly half of people ages 26 to 35 have completed some form of AI training, and more than three in four find it useful. Therefore, it is these younger workers who see AI having positive impacts on jobs.
But it’s not just age that affects how we perceive artificial intelligence. Emerging economies are generally the world leaders in the adoption of GenAI, with countries such as India, Brazil, Mexico and South America standing out. The UK, a mid-range country, occupies a similar position to Canada and Korea, despite the UK government’s repeated plans to boost AI adoption.
European countries show lower confidence and greater uncertainty, possibly because overregulation slows adoption.
Although heavy users tend to spend more time in front of a recreational screen, they also report lower well-being and lower life satisfaction. It is evident, then, that professional adoption of AI and technology and personal use have different results.
“AI’s greatest potential can be realized by improving well-being, streamlining tasks, improving collaboration, and creating opportunities for growth and learning,” Diedrich added.
Cisco research therefore calls for companies and governments to focus on consistent skills and digital literacy across generations and geographies, not the speed of adoption. “That way we can ensure that ‘Generation AI’ truly includes everyone,” Diedrich concluded.
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