Survey Shows High Artificial Intelligence Adoption Among Afghan Youth

A recent national survey indicates that artificial intelligence has gained significant traction among young people in Afghanistan. The study, conducted over eight months by Salam Afghanistan and Salam Watandar Radio, polled 1,154 respondents across 32 provinces. Results show that 88 percent of Afghan youth are familiar with artificial intelligence, while 66.6 percent report using the technology on a regular basis.

According to the findings, the primary function of these tools is advisory. Approximately 84.1 percent of respondents indicated they use artificial intelligence for guidance, a trend that has corresponded with an 82 percent decrease in consultations with friends and family. Despite the high adoption rate, 58.1 percent of those surveyed expressed concern regarding the increasing mechanization of personal decision-making. ChatGPT and Gemini emerged as the most widely utilized platforms, with a combined usage rate of 71.3 percent among the youth demographic.

In response to the survey’s publication, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology acknowledged the findings and outlined its current approach to the technology. Enayatullah Alkozai, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that officials are actively researching artificial intelligence applications to ensure safe implementation and address potential negative impacts. The ministry emphasized its commitment to monitoring the technology’s development and establishing guidelines that align with national standards.

The survey highlights a rapid shift in how young Afghans access information and make daily decisions, underscoring both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging digital tools. As artificial intelligence continues to integrate into various sectors, government bodies and civil society organizations are expected to increase their focus on digital literacy and responsible usage frameworks.