The generation that uses AI the most isn’t the one you think

From changing the daily workflow to the way we order food at a kiosk, AI is showing up in just about everything we do. But according to a new report, the way people use AI differs based on generation. And some of those ways are downright weird.

The new insights come from a survey by AI-powered study aid Edubrain of 3,000 Americans ages 18 to 60. (Boomers weren’t included in the survey, but according to other recent research, they’re the least likely to use AI). 

It found that when it comes to who is using AI the most regularly, it’s not the youngest tech-savvy group. It’s actually millennials: 37% of the group uses it daily, while only 25% of Gen Zers, and 19% of Gen Xers can say the same.

There may be a good reason why millennials are relying on AI more than others, the report explains. 

Given the 30- to 40-somethings are more likely to be in busy parts of their life, it makes sense they may be more inclined to rely on technology to ease their burdens. “They’re juggling work, kids, bills, and everything in between, and they’re willing to take any help they can get,” the report says.

Mostly, AI is being used to find information, such as in a quick internet search or asking ChatGPT a question. Sixty-nine percent of millennials and 63% of Gen Xers say they use it for these kinds of tasks. Meanwhile, Gen Z is more inclined to use the tool for creative tasks than for gathering information: 60% of the group uses it to help with creative tasks, which is more than any other generation.

While AI is being widely used, many would rather not discuss their AI usage in a room full of people. In fact, a staggering 36% admitted that they’d be embarrassed by the ways they’re routinely using AI. 

Perhaps that’s because Americans are using AI in some offbeat ways. For example, 35% have asked the tool to predict the future. Meanwhile, even more have used AI to create a fake person, like a friend or confidant. Forty-five percent of Gen Zers have done so, 40% of millennials, and only 27% of Gen Xers.

While AI is being used for a wide variety of purposes, one generation seems to be using it for the most devious reasons. 

Overall, 18% say they’ve used AI for help with something illegal, including creating sexual images of someone they know without that person’s consent. Gen Xers are the worst offenders, with 11% saying they’ve used AI this way. Likewise, 10% of Gen Xers have actually used the tool to assist them in stalking someone. 

Gen Zers may get called out for being incessantly on screens as the first generation of digital natives. But, per the survey, it’s the older generations who have some explaining to do when it comes to AI use.

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