New research by Currys has revealed the nation’s relationship with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The study of 2,000 UK adults found 1 in 5 people consider AI to be a friend even choosing to take life advice from AI over that from a loved one (49%).
More than half of AI users will say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when communicating with the technology and have even confided in AI in something they haven’t told a friend or family member (25%).
However, of those who use AI, 34% admit to hiding this from friends, family and colleagues. Drafting difficult messages (37%), preparing for difficult conversations (33%) and even seeking therapy or counselling-style advice (27%) among the most common downplayed uses.
The study comes as Currys launches its first AI-Mazing Awards this October, celebrating the very best AI-enabled products designed to make everyday life easier.
AI-ducation
With 18% using the technology daily, 26% are still not confident in explaining what AI does and 1 in 10 even admitting to pretending to understand it in conversation.
And yet, 68% are willing to learn more than they currently do. With over a quarter (28%) saying their biggest hope for AI is that it makes daily life easier.
Top everyday tasks Brits have asked or would ask AI to help include:
- Checking best prices before buying (19%)
- Comparing bills (16%)
- Meal planning (15%)
- Remembering important deadlines (14%)
- Food shopping (13%)
- Keeping track of subscriptions and cancelling unused ones (12%)
- Cleaning (12%)
- Managing bills and admin (11%)
- Organising paperwork/receipts (11%)
- Sending birthday, holiday messages (11%)
However, while many are embracing AI, others are still cautious about the technology. Privacy risks and data misuse (28%), the over reliance of the technology (23%), AI making mistakes (22%) and loss of jobs because of AI (19%) some of the concerns.
Love is in AIr
AI is also the latest match maker in helping the nation find love. Of those who have or would use AI for their love life, 62% have used AI to write an opening message to a potential new beau. While others have used AI to support writing prompts for a dating app profile (48%), help with asking someone to be their partner (36%) and even asking someone for a first date (32%).
It’s not all romance however, with 23% of those who have or would use AI for difficult messages resorting to AI to help with a breakup message and even with ending a living arrangement (21%).
At work with AI
The workplace is another area where Brits are leaning on AI. The most common uses are summarising research (40%), generating ideas (37%) and drafting important documents (34%). Some go further, turning to AI for presentations (33%), performance reviews (22%), or even navigating difficult conversations such as letting someone go (21%).
Currys chief AI explainer, Caitlin Mellor, said: “AI is no longer just something from sci-fi movies – it’s already in our homes and shopping baskets.
Our research shows that while many people are still unsure what AI really is, they’re very open to using it when it makes life easier. Tech experts at Currys are here to guide customers through the AI revolution – helping them understand the possibilities and choose the right products that can genuinely support their day-to-day lives.”
Currys AI-Mazing Awards
From smart home devices to AI-enabled appliances, Currys is on a mission to help demystify AI. The retailer is celebrating the technology in its very own AI-Mazing Awards this October 1st, raising awareness of the products designed to simplify and enhance everyday life. Brands across mobile, computing, television, kitchen, connected home and wearables will be recognised for their AI-enabled innovations, with winners chosen by experts and unveiled during a live awards event.
For more information on the AI-enabled products available at Currys, visit in-store or via currys.co.uk.
