UK survey finds nearly half of young people trust AI more than humans

[Financial News]  Nearly half of young people in the UK trust artificial intelligence (AI) more than humans when fact-checking, a survey has found. Warnings have also been raised that schools could lose their relevance as AI use rises rapidly while the existing education system fails to keep pace.
On the 22nd (local time), Sky News reported that a survey conducted by pollster Public First among more than 4,000 young people aged 11 to 24 in England found that roughly half of respondents trusted AI more than humans when checking facts.
The tendency to trust AI tools over people was especially pronounced among boys.
Historian Sir Anthony Seldon and IT executive Tim Bunting cited the findings in a recently published report, warning, "If the education sector underestimates the value of AI, students may no longer see school as 'a place worth spending their time.'"
The report said that about 87% of young people had already used AI tools, while criticizing the current education system for trying to teach on the assumption that there is an "AI-free world" that no longer exists. It also found that fewer than 10% of young people believed schools and universities were preparing them for a world in which AI exists.
The authors emphasized, "The value of the school as an institution is declining because education is failing to keep pace with the way young people actually use AI," adding, "If schools treat AI merely as a 'temporary contaminant that must be isolated,' the legitimacy of the education system itself will be threatened."
They urged the Government of the United Kingdom to adopt 10 policy proposals, including the creation of an AI rapid-response team within the Department for Education and the establishment of a network of 100 'AI-leading schools and universities.' Sir Anthony Seldon said, "The UK has the assets to lead the world in educational AI, but it has lacked momentum and leadership," calling for immediate government action.
A spokesperson for the UK government said, "We take the opportunities and challenges that AI will bring extremely seriously," adding, "Through the revised curriculum, we will strengthen digital skills and the ability to distinguish fake news, while raising basic academic standards."
Meanwhile, the UK government plans to introduce AI tutoring tools in schools by the end of 2027 and has announced an investment of £23 million (approximately 41.4 billion won) to validate AI and education technology products.


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