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A new research coordinated by Debora Nozza collects field data to find out in what ways and how often artificial intelligence is used in everyday life, to go beyond a narrative that is often shallow and anecdotal, but also to build a wealth of experiences that do not derive from the Anglosphere

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has ceased to be a subject for scientists and specialists. From Siri's soothing voice to articulate conversations with models like ChatGPT or Gemini, generative AI has become part of everyday life. But while many now use it, do we really know how it is being used? And by whom?

New research, coordinated by Debora Nozza of the Bocconi Department of Computing Sciences, aims to answer these fundamental questions. The goal is clear: to draw a picture as close as possible to the actual experience of Italian users with generative artificial intelligence tools, going beyond anecdotal cases and data from the English-speaking world, still dominant today.

Mapping how Italy uses AI

The project focuses on three main axes:

  1. Who uses AI, how much and for what: It is about understanding which segments of the population are actually adopting tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and the like. Young people? Workers? Students? And for what purposes? Study, work, leisure, personal management?
  2. AI or old technologies? The study also enquires whether and to what extent these tools are replacing other established technologies such as search engines, automatic translators, or first-generation digital assistants.
  3. AI literacy level: How much do Italians really understand about what they are using? What is the level of awareness with respect to how generative artificial intelligence works, its limitations and risks?

Through a survey that is already underway and in which anyone can take part, the research team intends to collect data disaggregated by age, gender, geographic area and other social indicators, with the aim of offering a clear and realistic portrait of the impact that these tools are already having, silently, on Italian society.

A social impact that is still poorly understood

“In an increasingly digital world, possessing adequate digital skills is essential for meaningful participation in both work and society,” commented Debora Nozza. “Unfortunately, Italy faces a significant digital divide, as evidenced by its low position in the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), where it ranks 23rd out of 27 EU member states in terms of population that possesses at least basic digital skills, with only 45.8 percent meeting this criterion. With AI technologies becoming a ubiquitous part of our lives, it is critical to understand whether Italian people know how to use AI technologies and whether they understand their use and limitations.”

What is at stake is not just academic knowledge. A solid understanding of AI use can better guide educational policies, technology development, and even future regulation. It can help us bridge digital divides and ensure equitable and informed access to technologies that, like it or not, will increasingly be part of our daily lives.

You can take part

The survey is currently active, and, as noted above, is open to everyone living in Italy. Taking part takes just a few minutes and can contribute to one of the first systematic mappings of the impact of AI on the Italian population.

Research