Recent research by Cisco and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) sheds light on the rapidly changing landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, revealing stark geographical and generational divides.
While AI uptake soars globally, particularly in emerging economies, concerns about digital well-being are becoming increasingly pertinent.
The study highlights that India, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa are at the forefront of generative AI adoption. Among these nations, younger adults exhibit the highest levels of usage, trust, and engagement with AI technologies.
In contrast, older generations, particularly those over 45, demonstrate less familiarity and confidence in AI's utility. This trend marks a departure from previous patterns, where emerging economies often lingered behind in tech adoption.
AI vs. digital well-being
Youth in these emerging economies show impressive engagement with digital tools, spending significant time online, often for social interaction. However, this high screen time correlates with decreased well-being and life satisfaction, raising questions about the balance between digital consumption and mental health.
Cisco's findings indicate that more than five hours of recreational screen time daily can adversely affect individuals' emotional states, particularly among younger adults.
"Empowering emerging economies with AI skills is about unlocking individuals’ potential," said Guy Diedrich, senior vice president and global innovation officer at Cisco. He stressed the importance of ensuring AI enhances well-being by improving collaboration and creating opportunities for learning and growth.
Generational gaps in perception and usage
The generational divide is particularly striking. Over 50% of respondents aged under 35 actively use AI, with 75% reporting its usefulness.
Conversely, more than half of those over 55 rarely if ever interact with AI tools, reflecting a profound familiarity gap. This discrepancy extends to expectations about AI's impact on job markets, with younger adults anticipating more significant changes.
Diedrich calls for targeted actions to bridge these divides. "Generational differences in AI adoption are challenges we can address," he noted, reinforcing the notion that experience and insights from all age groups are vital for a balanced approach to digitalisation.
Path forward for a digital future
This study serves as a clarion call for individuals, businesses, and governments to tackle the ongoing digital skills gap, promote digital literacy across ages, and prioritise well-being alongside technological innovation.
The aim is to ensure that the digital future we build truly encompasses everyone, creating a supportive environment where all generations can thrive in the age of AI.
