What will AI do for us? Young adults in lower-income countries feel more positive about its potential – new survey
Publish Date: 2026-07-07 06:17:00
Source Domain: theconversation.com
- Young people in low- and middle-income countries are more optimistic about AI’s positive impact on their education and employment prospects compared to their Western peers.
- The 2026 Youth AI Survey found that nearly 80% of participants in Africa and South Asia expect AI to enhance their education and learning.
- Barriers such as high data costs, weak internet connections, and a shortage of digital skills limit AI usage, though two-thirds of respondents use AI daily.
- While only 14% of respondents earn income directly from AI tools, half expect AI to improve their employment and economic opportunities within five years.
- Concerns about AI tools not understanding local languages and cultures were prevalent, particularly among daily users focused on data ownership and company power.
- Significant gender differences were observed, with young men having more AI knowledge and using AI more for job searches, while women were more concerned about AI’s impact on their data.
- Respondents emphasized the need for more inclusive AI tools that understand local languages and cultures, and highlighted the importance of government regulation in AI safety.
