AI's growing role in society

An editorial published in Journal du Net discusses the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of life, including work, education, and access to information. The piece was published in conjunction with the AI & Inclusion Summit, organized by E-mma and Tech Show Paris, with Journal du Net as a media partner.

Gender gap in AI usage

According to the Digital Barometer, 25% of men in France use AI in a professional context, compared to 20% of women. The gap is even larger in private life, with 30% of men using AI versus 22% of women. Globally, women have about 20% less chance than men to use generative AI tools, as reported by the Gender Snapshot 2026 by UN Women.

Access and training disparities

Within organizations, 52% of men declare having access to AI in their work, compared to 31% of women. Additionally, 40% of men have benefited from AI training offered by their employer, compared to only 24% of women. These disparities highlight the need for greater inclusion in AI access and education.

AI as a societal skill

The editorial emphasizes that AI mastery should not be limited to engineers or data specialists but should become a skill accessible to all. It calls for collective efforts to raise awareness, introduce AI concepts, and provide training throughout life to ensure everyone can use AI effectively and responsibly.

Inclusion in AI design

The editorial highlights that the diversity of people involved in designing AI directly affects the quality of the technology. Globally, women represent only about 22% of AI professionals and less than 14% of management positions in the sector. The piece calls for greater representation of women, young people from all backgrounds, and underrepresented groups in scientific and digital fields.

AI's potential and challenges

AI is viewed as a tool that can support education, employment, career changes, and accessibility for people with disabilities. However, these possibilities must be tested and evaluated against real-world challenges. The editorial argues that true progress is measured not only by AI's capabilities but also by who can benefit from them.