Artificial intelligence widens the digital divide

(CONNECT) The University of Zurich (UZH) has conducted a representative survey on the benefits and harms of using artificial intelligence (AI). 60 percent of the Swiss population and 49 percent of AI users fear "negative effects on humanity", according to a press release. Social divisions regarding digitalization are primarily between the generations. A total of 91% of 20 to 29-year-olds in Switzerland rate their Internet skills as good to excellent. Among the over 70s, the figure is only 59 percent. The picture is even clearer when it comes to AI: almost half of younger people feel comfortable using it, compared to just 20 percent of older people.

According to the survey, AI is used most frequently at work (53 percent). 21 percent of users consult AI when making career or financial decisions. When making political decisions, 27 percent of respondents look to the traditional Internet for guidance, while only 7 percent turn to AI information. Social consequences are particularly feared. Two thirds of the population fear surveillance, one third mass unemployment. Every second person calls for clear regulations on AI, compared to only 36 percent for the internet in general.

Despite the doubts, the Swiss population is increasingly online, spending an average of 5.7 hours a day online. For example, 39 percent of products are purchased online.

The World Internet Project Switzerland survey was conducted by the Institute of Communication Science and Media Research(IKMZ) at the University of Zurich from June to August 2025 among 1078 internet users aged 14 and over. ce/ww