Young people in Cyprus emerged as heavy users of generative artificial intelligence in 2025, with Eurostat data showing strong adoption among those aged 16 to 24 across the island. A remarkable 76.5 per cent of this demographic utilised generative AI tools, far exceeding the European Union average of 63.8 per cent.
This trend highlights Cyprus as a significant player in the generative AI landscape, especially among its youth. The high rate of adoption places the island well above many of its EU counterparts, reflecting a broader generational shift towards embracing technology in daily life.
Generative ai: Generational Divide in Technology Use
The data reveals a striking divide between the usage of generative AI among young people and the general population. While 76.5 per cent of those aged 16 to 24 in Cyprus are using these tools, only 32.7 per cent of individuals aged 16 to 74 reported the same. This sharp contrast underscores how young people are at the forefront of integrating generative AI into various aspects of their lives.
Private and Educational Applications
Among the uses of generative AI, young people demonstrated a strong preference for private purposes, with 44.2 per cent engaging with these technologies for personal activities. In comparison, only 25.1 per cent of the general population reported using generative AI for similar reasons. Educational applications also saw significant engagement, with 39.3 per cent of young users employing AI tools for formal education, a stark contrast to the 9.4 per cent usage among the wider age group.
Professional Use of AI Tools
Interestingly, the professional use of generative AI showed less disparity between age groups. Approximately 15.8 per cent of young people reported using AI tools in a professional context, closely followed by 15.1 per cent of those aged 16 to 74. Eurostat attributes this narrow gap to the fact that many individuals in the younger age bracket have not yet entered the labour market.
Comparative Analysis with Other EU Nations
When compared to other EU member states, Cyprus ranks among the leaders in generative AI usage among youth. Greece tops the chart with an impressive 83.5 per cent, followed by Estonia at 82.8 per cent and the Czech Republic at 78.5 per cent. This positions Cyprus firmly within a cluster of countries that are rapidly adopting AI technologies.
Conversely, Romania recorded the lowest adoption rate among young people, with only 44.1 per cent using generative AI. Italy and Poland also lagged behind, with rates of 47.2 per cent and 49.3 per cent, respectively. This data highlights a clear generational divide across Europe, where young individuals are driving the technological narrative.
A Driving Force for Change
The figures paint a portrait of a generation eager to leverage technology for both personal and educational purposes. This trend not only showcases the adaptability of young Cypriots but also signals a shift in how technology will shape future economic activities. As young people continue to embrace generative AI, their influence is expected to extend beyond personal use, potentially transforming various sectors within the economy.
As Cyprus aligns closely with the EU’s leading adopters of generative AI, it is evident that the younger population is pivotal in fostering innovation and technological advancement across the island.
