A recent study shows that the majority of Brits, four out of five, are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their daily lives. However, 27% of them confess to having limited knowledge about this technology. Despite AI becoming an integral part of everyday activities like online shopping and appointment scheduling, there exists a noticeable gap between its usage and understanding among the populace.
Less than half of the individuals surveyed, only 49%, could correctly identify an AI-generated image of Big Ben from a photograph, underscoring the challenge in distinguishing between reality and AI-generated content. The research, conducted by Vodafone, also unveiled the country’s AIQ for the first time, revealing that only 13% of Brits achieved high scores (80% or more).
On average, participants scored 57% on a new quiz designed to assess AI knowledge, raising concerns about a widening AI skills disparity in the UK. Dr. Nisreen Ameen, an AI expert involved in creating the quiz, emphasized the importance of enhancing AI literacy to ensure ethical and responsible usage of AI in daily tasks.
The study disclosed that 19 million Brits utilize AI daily for various purposes such as making appointments, shopping, and work-related tasks. Sheffield emerged as the most AI-savvy city in the UK, surpassing the national average, while Birmingham reported the lowest AI proficiency levels.
Individuals aged 25 to 34 are at the forefront of AI adoption, with 48% using it daily. Surprisingly, older generations have also embraced AI, with 27% of individuals over 80 capable of explaining AI to others and 12% using it daily.
One individual, Lin Park from North Yorkshire, shared how AI had significantly impacted her life, enabling her to engage in activities she never thought possible before. The research, released during Get Online Week by the Good Things Foundation, highlighted a significant gap in AI competence and comprehension among the public.
Nicki Lyons, the chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer at VodafoneThree, pointed out the transformative nature of AI across various aspects of life and emphasized the need for accessible training and support to bridge the digital divide.
Helen Milner OBE, the chief executive of Good Things Foundation, stressed the importance of digital confidence for full societal participation and encouraged individuals to explore the new AIQ quiz during Get Online Week to enhance their AI digital skills.
To test your AI understanding and compare it with the rest of the UK, take the AIQ quiz and access tools to boost your AI confidence.
