AI used more for learning than entertainment, global survey finds
People are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to learn and solve problems rather than for novelty or entertainment, according to a global study commissioned by Google.
A global survey on AI use shows learning has overtaken curiosity and entertainment as the main reason people engage with artificial intelligence, Google said.
The “Our Life with AI” study, conducted with Ipsos across 21 countries and 21,000 participants late last year, found 74% of AI users said they use the technology to learn something new or understand complex topics.
Google said the findings mark a shift towards AI being used as a core utility rather than an experimental or entertainment tool.
Students, teachers and parents reported particularly high uptake. According to the survey, 85% of students aged 18 and over use AI, with 83% using it for schoolwork and 78% to help understand complex subjects. More than half said they use AI to manage day-to-day tasks, while 42% use it to support decision-making.
Among teachers, 81% reported using AI, compared with 66% of the global public. Teacher users most commonly said they use AI to learn something new and to save time. In a six-month pilot programme in Northern Ireland, teachers reported saving an average of 10 hours per week using Google’s Gemini tools, the company said.
Parents also showed strong adoption, with 76% saying they use AI. Of those, 77% use it to learn something new, 73% to assist with work and nearly half to explore career changes or business opportunities.
The survey highlighted more optimistic attitudes towards AI in emerging markets, where respondents were more likely to believe AI would improve student outcomes through personalised learning than to fear it would erode critical thinking skills. Similar views were reported in South Korea, Japan and Singapore.
Google said respondents also raised concerns around access to AI tools and the so-called “5% problem”, referring to unequal availability, and expect governments and technology companies to work together on safeguards.
Related reading
- Google plans nationwide digital celebration for America’s 250th anniversary
- Google names Tunisian filmmaker winner of Global AI Film Award
- SAP, Syngenta strike multi-year AI technology partnership
The company said its long-term aim for AI in education is to improve learning outcomes and allow teachers to focus more on instruction, adding that its education-focused AI tools are being developed in line with learning science and in partnership with educators, with an emphasis on responsible innovation.
The Recap
- Survey finds AI is now used mainly for learning.
- 74% of users report using AI to learn new topics.
- Google says it will focus on responsible AI in education.
