SOFIA, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Only 13 percent of adult Bulgarians actively use artificial intelligence (AI) applications such as ChatGPT and Gemini, according to a nationally representative survey released on Tuesday.
The survey, conducted by Alpha Research agency in early July, found that 31 percent of respondents only use AI occasionally, while 56 percent do not use AI.
AI usage in Bulgaria reflects a significant generational and educational divide, Alpha Research noted. One in three respondents aged 18 to 29 said they used AI tools actively, while 81 percent of those over the age of 65 do not use AI at all.
Educational background plays an even more decisive role. Among those with higher education, 62 percent reported using AI while 38 percent did not. In contrast, among respondents with a lower educational level, only 21 percent reported using AI, while 79 percent did not.
The survey also explored public perception of AI's potential impact. Thirty-six percent of respondents believed AI would help humanity, while 32 percent saw it as a threat. Eleven percent said AI would have no impact, and 21 percent remained undecided.
Bulgaria has been active in developing AI technologies in Eastern Europe. In April 2022, the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) was founded under Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski." In November last year, INSAIT unveiled three AI models for the Bulgarian language, making Bulgaria the first European Union country to launch state-funded AI technology specifically designed for its native language. ■
