Most can’t point to in-depth AI knowledge (Image: Yuichiro Chino via Getty Images)
Four out of five Britons are now utilising artificial intelligence in their daily lives, yet 27% confess they possess minimal knowledge about the technology, fresh research has revealed.
Despite AI becoming embedded in routine activities – from internet shopping to booking appointments – the study exposes a significant divide between usage and comprehension.
Fewer than half of those surveyed (49%) managed to accurately identify an AI-generated image of Big Ben from an authentic photograph, demonstrating how challenging it can be to differentiate between genuine and artificial content.
The research, commissioned by Vodafone, has unveiled the nation’s AIQ for the first time, with merely 13% of Britons achieving top marks (80%+).
The typical person scored just 57% on the new assessment, sparking concerns about a widening AI knowledge deficit across the UK.
AI specialist Dr Nisreen Ameen, who helped develop the quiz, commented: “It’s great to see that more people are using AI in their day-to-day lives, but an average AIQ of 57% shows there’s a way to go before people feel fully confident and AI literate.
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Real deal: Big Ben (Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
“AI can offer great support in day-to-day tasks, but it can be wrong, it needs to be fact-checked, and people need to understand how and why it works, to ensure they are using it ethically and responsibly.
“In fact, many people are using it without even realising it, which highlights both the promise and the challenge. If we want to build an AI-confident society, we need to make AI education and training as accessible as the technology itself.”
The research disclosed that 19million Britons utilise AI on a daily basis, employing it for activities including booking appointments (21%), purchasing goods (20%) and workplace assistance (17%). Sheffield emerged as the nation’s most AI-literate city, exceeding the national average, whilst Birmingham recorded the lowest figures.
Predictably, individuals aged 25 to 34 are spearheading adoption with 48% engaging with the technology at least once daily. However, elder demographics have similarly embraced these innovations with 27% of those over 80 feeling sufficiently assured to explain AI concepts to others – and 12% utilising it every day.
Lin Park, 76, from North Yorkshire, revealed AI had revolutionised her existence: “I didn’t know the first thing about computers or AI, but since going to one of Good Things Foundation’s digital inclusion hubs, I’ve learned so much.
“I’m now using AI to do things I never imagined – writing a story for a loved one and creating a memory book for my sister in Canada, who is too unwell to travel. It’s truly helped me stay connected to the people I love.”
The study, published during Get Online Week, a campaign by the Good Things Foundation, highlighted a considerable divide in AI confidence and comprehension.
For example, 56% of participants believe AI can “understand” concepts like humans, when actually, it merely examines patterns within data.
Younger generations were most susceptible to this misunderstanding, with 52% of 25 to 34 year olds maintaining this false belief, compared to merely 28% of those over 55. Older adults are more likely to fact-check AI-generated responses, with 80% of those over 55 verifying information with trusted sources, compared to just 62% of Gen Z.
Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at VodafoneThree, commented: “AI is transforming every corner of life, but even the most tech-savvy are still grappling with how to use it in the right way.
“Without widespread access to training and support, we’re at risk of a worsening digital divide, especially for those already facing barriers to getting online.
“Our everyone.connected campaign, and partnership with Good Things Foundation is all about breaking down those barriers. And this Get Online Week, we’re launching our new AIQ quiz, a simple way to check your AI confidence and understanding, and access tools to help you thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.”
Helen Milner OBE, Chief Executive, Good Things Foundation, stated: “Digital confidence is vital for everyone to participate fully in society – to manage finances, find work, and stay safe online.
“Vodafone’s new research shows there’s still a long way to go in helping people feel secure exploring new technology. With rapid digital transformation and emerging tech, people are at risk of being left behind. We can’t afford to allow this to happen.
“The new AIQ quiz is a great way to check your understanding of AI this Get Online Week, and for anyone who wants to become more confident in their AI digital skills, I urge them to visit Good Things Foundation’s AI Gateway learning platform.”