Three in four adults in Ireland (74%) say technology is evolving faster than they can keep up with, rising to 81% among those aged 65 and over, according to new research from Vodafone Foundation.
The research, conducted among 1,000 people by Core Research, explores how people in Ireland are adapting to new and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and reveals significant generational differences in confidence, trust and preparedness for the digital future. The research was commissioned by Vodafone Foundation to better understand the barriers and challenges preventing people from fully participating in an increasingly digital world. Vodafone Foundation works to advance digital inclusion, skills and online safety through initiatives such as Hi Digital, which has provided digital skills training to more than 200,000 older adults, and Tozi, a free digital wellbeing and online safety app that helps young people navigate the online world safely and confidently.
While more than half (55%) of adults surveyed use AI daily or weekly, this decreases to 22% among those aged 65 and over, with 43% saying they never use AI. Similarly, while 65% of adults nationally feel confident using new technology, just one in three (29%) of over-65s say the same.
The findings were published at the Connecting Everyone: The Future of Digital Inclusion at the Vodafone Ireland HQ in Stephen’s Green today (Tuesday), bringing together Government, charity partners, education, industry and experts to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping digital inclusion and the practical steps needed to ensure everyone can participate in the digital world safely, confidently and fully. James Geoghegan TD, Vice-Chair of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence, joined as a guest speaker, while panellists included Dr David Coleman, Clinical Psychologist, Author and Broadcaster, Seán Moynihan, CEO, ALONE, Paula Kelly, TU Dublin Lecturer & Researcher, and John Church, CEO, ISPCC.
The event forms part of Vodafone's 25th year in Ireland, marking a quarter-century of connecting people, businesses and communities, while helping ensure everyone can benefit from the opportunities created by technology. This event is recognised as an Associated Event of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, reflecting its contribution to discussions on the future of digital inclusion.
Concerns around online safety and trust are significant barriers to getting the most from technology, when it comes to older adults. Almost half (48%) of those aged 65+ say online safety and privacy impact their ability to benefit from technology, while one in five (21%) cite a lack of support or training. Regarding AI specifically, almost half (49%) of over-65s cite online scams or fraud as a concern, while 38% say they distrust information generated by AI. More than one-third (34%) say better information about staying safe online would help them feel more confident.
Speaking about the findings, Liz Roche, Head of Vodafone Foundation in Ireland, said: “Technology is evolving incredibly quickly and bringing huge opportunities, but people don't necessarily feel equally confident keeping pace. Digital inclusion is about much more than having access to a device or being online. It is about having the confidence, skills and support to use technology safely and benefit from it. That looks different across generations, which is why our focus is on practical support for older people, young people and families.”
The research also points to an emerging challenge for families as AI becomes more embedded in everyday life. Almost two-thirds of parents say their 11-14-year-olds already use AI, from activities including finding information (68%), entertainment (58%), creating content (54%), getting advice or recommendations (36%) and schoolwork (30%). The findings come amid growing national discussion about how children and young people engage with technology, social media and online services safely and responsibly.
However, more than half (55%) of parents of 11–14-year-olds do not believe their child is equipped to navigate AI and other digital technologies safely and responsibly. Among these parents, two-thirds (67%) worry their child may not recognise misinformation or AI-generated content, while 53% believe their child does not have enough education about AI and digital technologies and 52% are concerned about online safety risks including scams, grooming and cyberbullying.
Parents are already taking an active role in helping children navigate AI. Among parents whose 11–14-year-olds use AI, two-thirds (66%) say they talk to their child about responsible and safe AI use, 65% encourage them not to share personal information with AI tools and 47% check or discuss the information AI gives them.
On the challenges posed by the safety and confidence gaps concerns, Liz Roche added: “We believe that no one organisation can address these challenges alone. Government, industry, educators, community organisations and families all have a role to play, and today's event is about bringing those voices together to look at how we can ensure everyone can participate safely and confidently in the digital world.”
James Geoghegan TD, Vice-Chair of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence, said: “AI is going to change how we work, how we learn and how we live. There are huge opportunities in that, but this research is a reminder that not everyone feels ready for the pace of change. What stands out is that three-quarters of adults feel technology is moving faster than they can keep up with, while many parents are worried their children are not equipped to navigate AI safely. We cannot have a situation where people are simply expected to figure all of this out for themselves. Government, industry and our education system need to make AI literacy a priority. That means giving older people the confidence and skills to benefit from new technology, while making sure our children know how to use AI safely, question what it tells them and recognise when information simply isn’t true. AI should be something that expands opportunity, not something that leaves people behind.”