Survey: Young people are more skeptical about AI than last year

Young people's attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) have become somewhat more skeptical, according to a study commissioned by Barmer. The study surveyed 2000 young people between the ages of 14 and 17. According to the results, 31% see great opportunities in AI, while 32% see it as risky. In 2023, 41% were still convinced of the positive possibilities.

According to Barmer, there also appear to be gender-specific differences. For example, 37% of girls were more concerned about the risks of AI than boys – 28% of whom expressed concerns. 34 percent of boys also see great opportunities in AI, compared to 27 percent of girls.

Despite the skepticism, the study shows that the “thirst for knowledge” regarding AI is unbroken. 73% of young people are interested in information about AI. 62 percent now feel well-informed – 8 percent less in the previous year.

Use of AI

A third of respondents stated that they use AI on a daily basis, while a further 32% do so occasionally. However, Barmer points out that the results could be distorted by the fact that young people cannot “identify with certainty where they encounter AI in their everyday lives”.

According to the survey, 71% of respondents not only know the term AI, but could “also explain its content”, compared to 64% the year before. The best-known applications are virtual assistants, facial recognition and ChatGPT.

According to Barmer CEO Christoph Straub, assessing the impact of AI on society, the world of work and their lives remains a challenge for many young people. However, there is clearly a growing awareness of the problems associated with this technology. For example, 20 percent of those surveyed stated that their career plans are at risk due to AI, an increase compared to 17 percent in the previous year.

(mack)