AI plans to drive UK growth as public embraces technology

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has outlined plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to drive growth throughout the United Kingdom, identifying AI's potential to revitalise public services.

The Prime Minister asserted AI holds significant capability for improving the daily lives of working people in the UK.

His statements align with findings from a recent survey by TalkTalk, which explored the public's evolving relationship with AI.

According to TalkTalk's survey of 2,003 UK residents, half of the respondents in 2024 indicated familiarity with AI, with usage being more prevalent among younger generations aged between 16 and 44. Specifically, 18% of respondents reported using AI weekly, while 15% used it daily.

Despite growing familiarity and usage, the survey disclosed ongoing concerns regarding AI's role in sensitive applications. Specifically, 50% of participants expressed unease about the use of AI in self-driving car technology.

The survey also highlighted areas where people feel more comfortable with AI, such as personalised shopping recommendations, learning assistance, and customer service chatbots, each cited by around 40% of respondents.

Eleanor Manley, AI Director at TalkTalk, provided her perspective on the findings. Manley is a recognised AI expert with significant experience in developing AI strategies and applications. She noted a substantial shift in how people perceive AI, stating, "The way we think about artificial intelligence (AI) has changed dramatically in recent years, and 2025 is set to bring a new transformation."

Manley further remarked on the mainstream integration of AI, referencing the rapid adoption seen since the release of Generative AI tools like ChatGPT in November 2022. "AI is no longer a background technology but a tool that people actively use to enrich themselves, learn new skills and make life more convenient," she said.

The survey revealed that AI is prevalent in various facets of daily life, with 49% of respondents utilising AI for online browsing and 29% for online shopping.

AI is also embraced in the realms of social media and streaming music.

While AI presence is increasing across the UK, differences in familiarity and usage were noted between demographic groups and regions.

Younger age groups, particularly those aged 25-34, were identified as the most familiar and frequent users of AI, with professionals in IT, Finance, and Marketing sectors also showing high levels of engagement.

Regional disparities in AI familiarity and usage were also highlighted, with cities such as London and Manchester leading in AI engagement compared to smaller cities and rural areas.

"AI quietly powers many of our daily interactions, but not everyone recognises its presence," observed Manley.

She sees potential for growth in sectors like healthcare and education where familiarity with AI is currently lower.

While AI adoption is on the rise, the need to address public concerns remains crucial as AI technologies continue to integrate into everyday life across the nation.