A recent study surveying 2,000 adults across the UK has revealed that around one in ten parents have no objection to their children using artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with homework. This equates to an estimated one million parents potentially using or permitting AI tools to support their children's schoolwork.

The research, conducted by mobile network operator Talkmobile, sought to understand British attitudes towards AI, including how it is utilised and where its use is deemed most appropriate. Work-related tasks emerged as the most accepted application for AI, with roughly a third of adults reporting they use AI for office tasks (32%), spreadsheet management (36%), and preparing presentations (27%).

Beyond professional use, the study found that approximately a quarter of respondents apply AI in managing personal finances (26%), creating artwork (25%), composing music (20%), and even authoring novels (14%). Additionally, 22% of those surveyed felt that using AI to write wedding speeches is an acceptable practice.

When it comes to education, generational divides become apparent. While 11% of all adults stated they find AI homework assistance acceptable, this figure rises to 22% among Generation Z (ages 18 to 27), a group that includes recent school leavers and current university students. Conversely, only 4% of the Baby Boomer generation (aged 60 to 78) support AI use in learning environments. Furthermore, half of Baby Boomers view AI as having a detrimental effect on society, compared with just 14% who see it positively.

Sarah Boyle, Head of Operations at Talkmobile, commented on the findings, saying, “There are very few aspects of our lives that are not already influenced by AI – the genie is out of the bottle, it is here to stay.” She added, “While we at Talkmobile share in the excitement that this new tech offers the world, we know just how much our customers value that human connection. For us, communication means human to human contact – and that will never seem old fashioned to us.”

The research underscores the diverse opinions on AI use across age groups in the UK, particularly regarding its role in education and daily life.

Source: Noah Wire Services