Who Knows and Who Uses AI in Mexico?
The Competitive Intelligence Unit (CIU) reports a significant generational gap in AI knowledge and usage among Mexicans. While 54.9% of internet users over six years old are familiar with AI nationally, this knowledge varies considerably across age groups.
- Adults aged 26 to 30 and those aged 31 to 40 lead with 72% AI knowledge.
- Young adults under 21 have a rate of 53%.
- Adults over 50 have a mere 43% AI knowledge rate.
AI usage averages 18.6% among Mexican internet users, with those under 21 and aged 31 to 40 using it most (22% each). However, only 15% of those aged 26 to 30, despite knowing AI (72%), use it daily.
Understanding and Presence of AI in Daily Life
AI understanding among Mexican users varies: 25.2% claim high understanding, indicating an informed core; 50.9% have some comprehension, suggesting superficial familiarity; only 23.9% admit little understanding, highlighting the need for formative initiatives.
Risks and the Urgent Need for AI Education
CIU states that awareness of potential risks, especially identity theft, is crucial. 72.4% of Mexican AI users know associated risks, but younger users (under 21) show lower awareness (57.6%), while those over 50 have a rate of 78.1%.
- This disparity underscores the need for comprehensive AI risk education, especially among younger generations.
- Awareness campaigns and educational programs are essential to ensure safe, responsible AI use.
Addressing Risks and Harnessing AI Potential
To fully leverage AI’s potential and mitigate its risks, a collaborative and proactive approach is necessary.
- Businesses should adopt ethical, transparent AI development practices.
- Educational institutions should integrate AI into curricula to prepare future professionals and encourage research.
- Robust public policies and a regulatory framework promoting responsible innovation, data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical AI development and use are crucial.
Only through collective effort can Mexico build a future where AI benefits all citizens equitably and securely, as emphasized by CIU.
