Nearly half of young people in Finland aged 11 to 17 use artificial intelligence (AI) every day, according to a new survey highlighting how quickly the technology has become part of children’s daily lives.
The survey found that almost 80 percent of respondents used AI in some form, with searching for information and getting help with schoolwork among the most common activities. The findings suggest that AI tools have become a familiar resource for many children and teenagers, both in their education and in their search for information.
However, the results also raise questions about how well young users can recognise AI-generated content and assess the reliability of the information these tools provide.
Nearly 40 percent of primary and secondary school-aged respondents said they could not distinguish between AI-generated images and genuine photographs or videos. The finding points to a challenge for young people navigating an online environment where artificial images and videos can be difficult to identify.
Trust in AI-generated information was also widespread. More than half of the respondents said they trusted information provided by AI, while boys reported slightly higher levels of trust than girls.
The survey was commissioned by Digirauha and the Itla Children’s Foundation, two organisations focused on children’s wellbeing and safety. Digirauha is a nonprofit organisation working to protect children and young people from harms associated with commercial digital platforms. The Itla Children’s Foundation promotes children’s wellbeing, equality and the position of children and families.
E2 Research conducted the online panel-based survey in September, gathering responses from more than 1,000 people aged 11 to 17.
The findings provide a snapshot of how young people in Finland are using AI and how they perceive the technology. While AI can help students find information and support their schoolwork, the results also highlight the importance of developing the skills needed to question AI-generated answers, recognise manipulated or artificial media, and assess the credibility of online information.
