Ireland is falling behind in the adoption and perception of artificial intelligence (AI), with significant implications for digital readiness and innovation.

• Usage levels of AI in Ireland behind the Global Average
• Trust and comfort levels with AI in Ireland are critically low
• However, there are higher levels of acceptance and good recognition in relation to usability

On July 16th, 2025, the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research (WIN), the leading global association of independent market research and polling firms has unveiled the first-ever WIN World AI Index.

In collaboration with ESOMAR, they’ll be drawing on insights from over 35,000 respondents to create an Index which aims to bridge the global AI gap and foster responsible innovation among policymakers, tech companies, media, and researchers.

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HEADLINES – IRELAND

Ireland behind the global average in terms of adoption and perception of AI.

• Only 54% of Irish adults report having ever used AI tools, compared to a global average of 62%. Daily or frequent usage is even lower, particularly among those aged 35–54, where just 3% engage with AI regularly.
• Ireland ranks second-lowest globally on the AI Index, scoring just 44 out of 100 points. The most significant gaps are in AI Trust and AI Comfort, with Irish respondents expressing deep concerns about misinformation, job displacement, and data misuse. These anxieties are especially pronounced among older age groups, highlighting a need for targeted education and reassurance.
• Younger Irish adults (18–24) are far more engaged with AI than older cohorts. While 35% of 18–24-year-olds report using AI often or daily, this drops to just 4% among those aged 45–54 and nearly disappears among those over 65. This generational gap suggests that while younger users are embracing AI, older populations may be at risk of digital exclusion.
• Interestingly, Irish respondents scored relatively well on AI Acceptance and Usability, with smaller gaps compared to global averages. This suggests that while people may not yet trust or frequently use AI, they are open to its presence in modern life and find it relatively easy to use. This openness could serve as a foundation for future engagement, provided concerns around trust and safety are addressed.

Robbie Clarke, Director, RED C Research, said:

“While Ireland clearly has work to do in building trust and familiarity with AI, the fact that people are open to its presence in daily life is encouraging. This openness gives us a strong foundation to build on — but we need to act now. By addressing concerns around trust, misinformation, and job security, we can unlock the potential of AI for all age groups and ensure Ireland doesn’t fall behind in the global digital transformation.”

 HEADLINES WORLD

The study indicates that the acceptance of AI is best understood through seven core indicators: usage frequency, trust, efficiency, interest, comfort, usability, and overall acceptance. Each of these indicators is based on various attitudinal statements.

• While 62% of people globally report some level of AI usage, adoption varies widely. India (93%) and China (91%) lead in usage, whereas Pakistan (18%) and Japan (35%) report the lowest levels.
• Still, only 14% of global respondents say they use AI frequently or daily, and 38% never use it at all.
• The global AI Index score stands at 51.6 points (out of 100), however, there is no single global AI journey, and a high variation exists across countries and regions.
• Though AI acceptance (62.1 pts) and Usability (57.9 pts) rank high, they do not yet always translate into usage, which lags at just 38.8 pts.
• Notably, comfort (45 pts) and trust (50.5 pts) score the lowest, revealing deep, substantial concerns. Additionally, AI users tend to rate all dimensions more positively, especially interest (+25.1 pts). However, they are not significantly more comfortable with AI than non-users, with just a +1 pt difference in the Comfort Indicator.
• The APAC region leads across most indicators, reflecting overall higher trust, usage, and acceptance. In contrast, Europe takes a more cautious stance, with 62% of respondents expressing concern that AI may spread misinformation. In the Americas, 56% fear job displacement and data breaches, while the Africa-MENA region reports the lowest level of concern overall.

Unsurprisingly, young people are the main drivers of AI adoption – 23% of those aged 18–34 use AI frequently, compared to just 7% among the population over 55.

The Index shows a positive correlation (+0.52) between age and AI scores, with younger populations countries embracing AI more strongly across the board. For instance, APAC countries with youthful populations – such as India, Malaysia, and Vietnam – score higher overall than ageing European countries. However, factors like IT penetration and urbanisation also play a role. One of the starkest generational contrasts appears in the UK, where there is an 18.4-point gap in AI Index scores between older and younger respondents – suggesting greater disconnect and concern among older users.

Richard Colwell, President of WIN International Association, said:
“The launch of the WIN World AI Index marks a pivotal step in understanding how people across the globe are engaging with artificial intelligence. This data reveals not just how often AI is used, but how people feel about it. WIN hopes that the AI Index becomes a tool for policymakers, technology leaders, and researchers to bridge the growing AI gap and build trust through responsible innovation. AI is not a single global story – it’s a complex, evolving journey shaped by culture, access, and generational attitudes.”

-ENDS-

Media enquiries:
IRELAND DATA
Ciara Reilly, MD, RED C Research
Derek Bell, Associate Director, RED C Research
+35318186316
[email protected]

WORLDWIDE DATA
Elena Crosilla, WIN Coordinator
+39 335.62.07.347
E-mail: [email protected]

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Methodology:
The survey was conducted in 39 countries using CAWI / CATI / F2F/ TAPI /online survey methods.

Sample Size and Mode of Field Work:
A total of 34,945 people were interviewed. See below for sample details. The fieldwork was conducted in December 2024, January 2025 and February 2025. The margin of error for the survey is between 4.4 and 2.5 at 95% confidence level.

The global average has been computed according to the covered adult population of the surveyed countries.

About WIN:
The Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research (WIN) is a global network conducting market research and opinion polls in every continent.
Our assets

• Thought leadership: access to a group of the most prominent experts and business entrepreneurs in Market Research, Polling and Consultancy
• Flexibility: tailor-made global and local solutions to meet clients’ needs
• Innovation: access to the latest strategic consultancy, tool development and branded solutions
• Local experts: access to a network of experts that truly understand the local culture, market and business needs.
• Trust: highest quality of talented members in all countries covered

In the years, WIN has demonstrated wide competences and ability to conduct multi-country surveys following the highest standards requested by the market. The accumulated expertise of the Association is formidable: among others, researched themes are gender equality and young people, communication and media research, and brand studies.

Methodology Sheet