British teenagers and children are far more likely than adults to embrace generative artificial intelligence (AI), according to new Ofcom research into life online in the UK. Generative AI broadly refers to algorithms that can create new content, including text, images, videos, and code, based on prompts. These services include ChatGPT, SnapchatMyAI, Midjourney or Bing Chat and DALL-E.
Four-fifths (79%) of online 13-17-year-olds now use generative AI tools and services, and a significant number of younger children aged 7-12 are also using this technology (40%).
Adult Internet users aged 16 and above are on average less willing to use AI-generated technologies (31%). Among users who have never used the technology (69%), nearly a quarter don’t know what it is (24%).
SnapchatMyAI, which became free to all Snap users in April 2023, is the most popular generative AI tool among children and teens, with half (51%) of online users aged 7-17 having used it. Teen girls online are its most avid users (75%).
ChatGPT is the most widely used generative AI service among netizens aged 16 and above (23%). Among teenage Internet users aged 7-17, boys are more enthusiastic about using ChatGPT than girls (34% vs. 14%).
Internet users over the age of 16 are exploring this emerging technology. Most people use AI-generated technology solely for entertainment (58%), with a third using it for work (33%) and a quarter (25%) using it for learning.
Chatting and exploring the capabilities of generative AI are the most popular activities (48%), followed by finding information or content (36%) and asking for advice (22%).
People are also using generative AI technology for creative tasks, including designing text such as poetry or lyrics (20%), creating images (20%), producing videos (9%) and audio (4%). One in ten (11%) people use it for programming.
But netizens are also aware of the potential risks of artificial intelligence-generated technology, with more than half (58%) of netizens worried about its future impact on society. Interestingly, within this broader group, the users who use generative AI the most – netizens aged 16-24 – are also the most likely to be concerned about its social impact (67%).
Yih-Choung Teh, Director of Strategy and Research at Communications Authority Group, said: "For Generation Z, it is second nature to quickly master new technologies, and AI-generated technology is no exception. While children and teenagers are driving its early adoption, we are also seeing older interactive Connected users are also exploring its capabilities, both for work and leisure. We also recognize that some are worried about the impact of artificial intelligence on the future. As a cybersecurity regulator, we are already working to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies so that innovation can flourish while protecting users."
Some technology companies are developing and integrating tools that will be included in the scope of the new cybersecurity law. Therefore, we will focus on how these companies proactively assess the security risks of their products and implement effective mitigation measures to protect users from potential harm.
Ofcom will continue to monitor wider market developments and emerging technologies, including generative AI tools and services, to better understand the opportunities and risks associated with them.