Cisco Systems Inc. Partners with OECD to Unveil AI Adoption Insights

The comprehensive research highlights stark geographical and generational divides in AI adoption rates. Notably, younger adults worldwide exhibit a strong inclination towards AI, with individuals under 35 years old showing the highest engagement with social media and generative AI tools. Emerging economies, particularly India, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, are leading the charge in AI adoption. These countries not only report the highest usage rates but also demonstrate significant trust in AI technologies.

In contrast, respondents from European nations express skepticism and uncertainty regarding AI's utility, marking a notable shift from historical trends where emerging economies typically lagged in technology adoption. The findings suggest that while emerging markets are embracing AI, they also face challenges related to increased recreational screen time and emotional fluctuations tied to technology use.

Cisco's research underscores a critical aspect of AI adoption: the potential negative correlation between extensive digital engagement and overall well-being. The data indicates that over five hours of daily recreational screen time may lead to diminished life satisfaction. While the study refrains from establishing direct causation, it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing digital well-being to ensure that technological advancements do not compromise individual health and happiness.

Guy Diedrich, Senior Vice President and Global Innovation Officer at Cisco, articulated the company's mission: “Empowering emerging economies with AI skills is not just about technology, it's about unlocking the potential of every individual to shape their future.” Diedrich highlighted the need for responsible AI design that prioritizes transparency, fairness, and privacy, aiming to enhance well-being and foster growth.

The research reveals a generational divide in attitudes toward AI, with younger adults expressing greater confidence in its usefulness. Over 50% of respondents under 35 actively utilize AI, with more than 75% acknowledging its utility. Conversely, individuals over 45 years old display a more cautious approach, with over half of them indicating they do not use AI at all. This divide may stem from a diminished familiarity with technology, particularly among older populations.

Diedrich pointed out that “generational divides in digital and AI adoption are not inevitable, they are challenges we can all address through targeted action.” Cisco's commitment to bridging this gap is evident, with 26,000 employees having undergone AI training, as part of its efforts to prepare the workforce for the transformational opportunities presented by AI across various sectors.

The research serves as a clarion call for citizens, business leaders, and government officials worldwide to prioritize digital literacy and well-being. Cisco advocates for a holistic approach where innovation is coupled with a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of AI extend to all individuals, regardless of age or geographic location.

Launched in 2024, the Digital Well-being Hub represents a collaborative initiative between Cisco and the OECD, aimed at presenting and analyzing data on the complexities of digital transformation. This hub serves as an interactive platform for gathering insights and statistics on digital well-being, contributing to the understanding of the digital divide and the inequalities in technology adoption.

The findings from this study were derived from a survey conducted across 14 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Data collection took place in early 2025, yielding statistically valid responses from 14,611 individuals, with a targeted approach to ensure a broad representation of socio-economic and cultural contexts.

As Cisco Systems Inc. moves forward with its mission to connect millions to the digital economy, the insights from this research will be instrumental in shaping initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide. By focusing on responsible AI adoption and enhancing digital well-being, Cisco seeks to create a more inclusive future where technology serves as a bridge rather than a barrier.