Safer Internet Day
11 February 2025, Safer Internet Day
More than half of 16–74-year-olds have heard of artificial intelligence technologies. Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Copilot, are used by more than two-thirds of pupils or students.
Safer Internet Day will take place on 11 February 2025. The main theme is raising awareness about the challenges of using artificial intelligence (AI). Although AI technologies bring many benefits, such as easier access to knowledge and simplification of work, they also pose risks, such as creating misleading information and addiction, especially among the young.
Seven out of ten retirees aged up to 74 use the Internet
The use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, is closely linked to the development of a digital society and its ability to adapt to technological progress. In the first quarter of 2024, 91% (in the EU: 93%) of people aged 16 to 74 (hereinafter: residents) used the Internet. The highest share of such Internet users was among residents with tertiary or higher education (99%), followed by residents with upper secondary education (91%) and basic or lower education (78%).
According to status, all pupils and students used it during the observed period. Among the employed or self-employed, the share was 98%, among the unemployed 93%, and among retirees 69%.
7% of residents (in the EU: 5%) have never used the Internet: 29% among 65–74-year-olds and 9% among 55–64-year-olds. According to status, 24% of retirees, 5% of the unemployed, and 1% of the employed or self-employed were non-users.
Almost all pupils and students over the age of 15 have heard of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence uses existing or historical data to provide information, so it is important to verify the quality of the information. In the first quarter of 2023, 53% of residents saw doubtful or untrue information or content on news websites or social media; 36% checked the truthfulness of this information, while 64% did not. 71% of those who did not check the information stated that they already knew the source or information was unreliable.
57% of residents answered affirmatively to the question about their familiarity with AI technologies; the share was the highest among pupils and students (94%), 66% among the employed and self-employed, and the lowest among retirees (24%).
Familiarity with AI is also influenced by the level of education achieved. Among residents with tertiary education, 78% were familiar with AI, 51% among those with upper secondary education, and 44% among those with basic or lower education.
More than a fifth used generative AI tools
Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini or DALL-E, were used by 21% of Slovenia's residents in the first quarter of 2024; 23% among men and 20% among women.
The share of users of generative AI tools was the highest among residents with tertiary education (37%), 20% among those with basic or lower education and 14% among those with upper secondary education.
Among pupils and students, 70% used these AI tools, 24% among the employed, and 4% among retirees.
Four out of ten use generative AI tools in Norway
The use of generative AI tools was also monitored in four other European countries in 2024. Among them, the share of 16–74-year-olds using such tools was the highest in Norway (38%), 28% in Austria and Sweden, and the lowest in the Netherlands (26% of 18–74 year-olds). Comparison with other EU countries will be possible in 2025 when all EU member states will monitor the use of generative AI tools.
Seven out of ten residents of Slovenia have not yet used generative AI tools; 5% of non-users were concerned about security or privacy. 3% of Internet non-users mentioned distrust in online information as one of the reasons for not using the Internet.
More than a third used smartwatches, bracelets or other smart accessories
AI technologies can also be present in many smart devices or systems, such as virtual assistants, smartwatches, toothbrushes, toys. These devices or systems were used by residents:
Tables with the latest data are available in the SiStat Database.
Seven out of ten retirees aged up to 74 use the Internet
The use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, is closely linked to the development of a digital society and its ability to adapt to technological progress. In the first quarter of 2024, 91% (in the EU: 93%) of people aged 16 to 74 (hereinafter: residents) used the Internet. The highest share of such Internet users was among residents with tertiary or higher education (99%), followed by residents with upper secondary education (91%) and basic or lower education (78%).
According to status, all pupils and students used it during the observed period. Among the employed or self-employed, the share was 98%, among the unemployed 93%, and among retirees 69%.
7% of residents (in the EU: 5%) have never used the Internet: 29% among 65–74-year-olds and 9% among 55–64-year-olds. According to status, 24% of retirees, 5% of the unemployed, and 1% of the employed or self-employed were non-users.
Almost all pupils and students over the age of 15 have heard of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence uses existing or historical data to provide information, so it is important to verify the quality of the information. In the first quarter of 2023, 53% of residents saw doubtful or untrue information or content on news websites or social media; 36% checked the truthfulness of this information, while 64% did not. 71% of those who did not check the information stated that they already knew the source or information was unreliable.
57% of residents answered affirmatively to the question about their familiarity with AI technologies; the share was the highest among pupils and students (94%), 66% among the employed and self-employed, and the lowest among retirees (24%).
Familiarity with AI is also influenced by the level of education achieved. Among residents with tertiary education, 78% were familiar with AI, 51% among those with upper secondary education, and 44% among those with basic or lower education.
More than a fifth used generative AI tools
Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini or DALL-E, were used by 21% of Slovenia's residents in the first quarter of 2024; 23% among men and 20% among women.
The share of users of generative AI tools was the highest among residents with tertiary education (37%), 20% among those with basic or lower education and 14% among those with upper secondary education.
Among pupils and students, 70% used these AI tools, 24% among the employed, and 4% among retirees.
Four out of ten use generative AI tools in Norway
The use of generative AI tools was also monitored in four other European countries in 2024. Among them, the share of 16–74-year-olds using such tools was the highest in Norway (38%), 28% in Austria and Sweden, and the lowest in the Netherlands (26% of 18–74 year-olds). Comparison with other EU countries will be possible in 2025 when all EU member states will monitor the use of generative AI tools.
Seven out of ten residents of Slovenia have not yet used generative AI tools; 5% of non-users were concerned about security or privacy. 3% of Internet non-users mentioned distrust in online information as one of the reasons for not using the Internet.
More than a third used smartwatches, bracelets or other smart accessories
AI technologies can also be present in many smart devices or systems, such as virtual assistants, smartwatches, toothbrushes, toys. These devices or systems were used by residents:
- 36% a smartwatch, bracelet, glasses, wireless headphones or other smart accessories (in the EU: 30%),
- 20% virtual assistants in the form of an app or smart speaker, such as Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, Telekom NEO (in the EU: 16%),
- 8% smart devices for monitoring blood pressure, sugar levels, body weight (e.g., smart scales) or other smart devices for health and medical care, such as a smart toothbrush or Telekom's E-oskrba service (in the EU: 8%),
- 3% smart toys, such as robots, drones or dolls (in the EU: 2%).
Tables with the latest data are available in the SiStat Database.
METHODOLOGICAL NOTE
Additional explanations are available in the methodological explanations.
When making use of the data and information of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, always add: "Source: SURS". More: Copyright.
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