AI divides by curiosity not age

The adoption of artificial intelligence is creating a divide not based on age but on curiosity, according to reports. Younger individuals, aged 20-30, use tools like ChatGPT as naturally as Uber Eats or YouTube, often without questioning their environmental impact or functioning.

Older users engage less frequently

In contrast, those aged 30-60 are more familiar with AI but use it less frequently. The gap widens as AI not only saves time but also changes work methods, helping with thinking, structuring, writing, analyzing, and designing. Once users experience these benefits, they often find it difficult to return to previous methods.

Many users experiment without approval

According to the Observatory of Responsible AI in Companies (2026), 61% of professional users turn to external public generative AI solutions independently, often without management knowledge. This exploration phase is often seen as unproductive by organizations, despite being a potentially valuable investment.

Managers should encourage experimentation

Managers are encouraged to allow experimentation rather than requiring mastery before trying. Learning AI comes from experimentation, not prior validation. This approach can help organizations adapt more quickly to the changing technological landscape.

Few companies have large-scale AI projects

Despite the growing interest, only 14% of large companies have successfully deployed large-scale generative AI projects, according to the Capgemini Research Institute (2025). Most remain at the pilot project stage. The balance between security and innovation is crucial, as information systems departments must protect while also enabling collective learning.

AI will favor the bold

The period is interesting because, like the Internet replaced the Minitel without waiting for skeptics, AI will not wait for hesitant companies. It will redistribute advantages between those who experiment and those who wait.