As AI becomes more ubiquitous, reports show growing gaps both in digital skills and access to resources needed to thrive in this new world. The rapid scale and pace of change also make it more critical to understand not just who is adopting new technologies, but how we are using them and who is truly benefiting.
Addressing these challenges is central to the work of Cisco’s Digital Impact Office, which is dedicated to expanding digital inclusion and connecting more people to the global digital economy. As part of our commitment, we also partnered with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to create the Digital Well-being Hub, which dives deeper into the complex relationships between AI and digitization as well as their impact on people’s lives and well-being.
These are a few of the findings from the studies. 1 2
Emerging economies lead the charge in AI adoption
Young adults under 35 are the most active users of digital technology worldwide. In emerging economies surveyed — India, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa — this engagement is especially strong. This is partly due to youthful demographics in these regions; a significant share of the population is under 35, and Africa, for example, has a median age of just 19. Young adults in these countries are adopting AI technologies, building skills, and preparing for AI-related careers at remarkable rates, compared to their peers in the 10 other countries we studied.
This progress is especially impressive because these countries have historically faced major barriers to digital adoption, often falling behind more economically developed nations in access, infrastructure, and digital skills. The 2025 World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report highlights that emerging economies can bypass traditional stages of technology adoption by embracing advanced digital tools and infrastructure, a dynamic often referred to as leapfrogging. Younger populations in these regions can accelerate this progress, helping to narrow the digital divide and shape the future of digital innovation.
From generative AI to generation AI
We’re seeing a clear generational divide when it comes to AI. Adults over 45 are much less likely to use AI in their daily lives, and more than half don’t use it at all. They also show lower rates of AI training, with many having no plans to learn more as they get older. In contrast, younger adults surveyed are embracing AI at remarkable rates. More than half of adults under 35 actively use AI, over 75% see its value, and nearly half of those aged 26 to 35 have already completed some form of AI training.
When it comes to trust, older adults are also less likely to say they trust AI. But interestingly, many over 55 don’t express outright distrust — they simply say they are unsure. This distinction matters, because trust is a uniquely human concept and may not be the best benchmark for our relationship with technology. Often, this uncertainty can come from a lack of familiarity rather than true resistance or rejection. This is something many can relate to, and it is something we can address together by making AI more approachable for everyone.
Previous Cisco research indicates that generational differences in AI readiness can become an organizational challenge with AI adoption. Since AI success hinges on a skilled workforce, companies with a higher proportion of employees who are unfamiliar or untrained in AI will struggle to transition from pilot programs to production. According to the 2025 Cisco AI Readiness Index, only 14% of organizations worldwide are fully prepared to scale AI responsibly, with the biggest barrier being a lack of AI-skilled talent. The companies that are already seeing real results are four times more likely to move AI pilots into production, 50% more likely to realize value, and significantly outperform peers in revenue gains and ROI.
Closing the gaps
This need for organizational readiness is part of a much broader transformation underway in the workforce. The job market is experiencing a seismic shift. According to the latest Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum, by 2030, 170 million new jobs are expected to emerge, and 92 million jobs will be displaced. We are already starting to see skills disruption. Cisco leads the AI Workforce Consortium to address AI’s impact on the ICT workforce, working alongside partners like Microsoft, Google, IBM, and other global leaders. Our reporting to date has projected that 90% of ICT roles will experience moderate or high transformation, and that AI roles are now driving tech market growth. And the stakes are high: the World Economic Forum projects it will cost G20 countries $11.5 trillion of cumulative GDP growth by 2028 if digital skills gaps are not addressed.
These skills trends are precisely why Cisco has made skilling central to our innovation strategy, and why our Consortium of global industry leaders has committed to upskilling and reskilling 95 million individuals worldwide over the next decade. At the heart of this effort is the Cisco Networking Academy, our flagship skilling program that offers free training to anyone with internet access. Since 1997, we have helped 28 million learners across 190 countries build the skills they need for the digital future.
The consequences of connection
As with any technology, we need to think about its impact on our well-being. The OECD and Cisco research suggests that in emerging economies leading in AI adoption, young adults have the highest recreational screen time, including digital-only socializing, and often feel stronger emotional highs and lows from technology.
Furthermore, the research shows a “Goldilocks effect”: well-being is highest with moderate screen time (1–3 hours a day) but drops with both too much and too little. In fact, people with no screen time report the lowest life satisfaction, suggesting that some digital engagement is now important for wellbeing.
At the same time, the research shows factors like sleep, financial stability, and physical activity matter even more for well-being than screen time itself. As digital and real-life blend together, we need to make sure technology helps — not harms — our health and happiness.
Ensuring AI benefits everyone, everywhere
A key mark of success for AI and digital transformation should not just be how quickly technology is adopted, but whether it genuinely improves lives across all ages, backgrounds, and geographies. Achieving this requires strong partnerships. Our collaboration with the OECD is a prime example, providing essential guidance to bridge digital skills gaps, advance digital literacy for all ages, and ensure that well-being remains at the heart of innovation. Together, across academia, government, and industry, we can create a digital future that is inclusive and healthy for everyone.
Visit the Digital Well-being Hub to explore our partnership and learn how you can help build a more resilient and inclusive digital world.
