OECD and Cisco reveal generational and regional gaps in AI adoption and digital well-being

Generative artificial intelligence is ceasing to be a novelty and becoming an everyday habit. In this context, Cisco, in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), presented research from the Digital Wellbeing Centre that analyzes how AI adoption impacts people’s lives, balancing opportunities, risks, and well-being.

The data reveals that, behind the widespread enthusiasm for AI, there are marked geographical and generational divides that influence who adopts the technology, who trusts it, and how it affects quality of life. These gaps determine both access to the benefits of AI and exposure to its challenges.

According to the study, those under 35 lead in the consumption of digital content and the use of generative AI, especially in emerging economies. Countries like India, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa lead global adoption, with higher levels of trust, active use, and participation in AI training, even surpassing traditionally more digitized economies.

In contrast, respondents from European countries show greater caution, with lower levels of confidence and more uncertainty about AI use. This behavior breaks with historical patterns, where emerging economies typically adopted new technologies at a slower pace.

However, the report also warns that these leading adoption markets report the most recreational screen time, a greater reliance on digital socialization, and more intense emotional fluctuations associated with technology use. Globally, exceeding five hours of daily recreational screen time is linked to a decline in well-being and life satisfaction.

“Empowering emerging economies with AI skills is not just about technology, but about unlocking the potential of every individual,” said Guy Diedrich, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Innovation Officer at Cisco, who emphasized the importance of designing AI solutions with transparency, fairness, and privacy, prioritizing human well-being.

The generational differences are equally striking. More than 50% of those under 35 actively use AI, and more than 75% consider it useful, with peaks of 84% in Mexico and 86% in Brazil. In contrast, more than half of those over 45 do not use it, and many over 55 express uncertainty due to a lack of familiarity, rather than outright rejection.

The research concludes with a call to action for governments, businesses, and civil society: reduce the digital skills gap, promote digital literacy at all ages, and ensure that innovation progresses alongside digital well-being, so that the so-called AI Generation is truly inclusive and global.

Source: www.itsitio.com