AI usage in Switzerland: 43% use AI – but disinformation is on the rise

New data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office reveals: Nearly half of Switzerland's population already uses generative AI. But alongside the enthusiasm, a problem is growing – disinformation, phishing, and hate speech are rising rapidly.

The numbers are impressive: 43 percent of the Swiss population aged 15 to 88 have used generative AI – tools like ChatGPT that create text, images, or other content. That's 3.2 million people.

Even more remarkable is the usage intensity: 36 percent of AI users access these tools daily, another 34 percent at least once a week. Considering that ChatGPT has only been publicly available for three years, this shows rapid adoption.

The Digital Divide Deepens

However, AI usage is not evenly distributed. The study reveals a clear digital divide:

79% of 15-24 year olds use AI

28% of 55-64 year olds use AI

63% of university graduates use AI

17% without post-compulsory education use AI

An interesting detail: Among those under 30, there are no gender-specific differences in AI usage. Only in older generations do men use AI more frequently than women.

The highest usage rate is found in education: 75 percent at schools and universities. This shows where the future has already become the present

Ein interessantes Detail: Bei den unter 30-Jährigen gibt es keine geschlechtsspezifischen Unterschiede in der KI-Nutzung. Erst bei älteren Generationen nutzen Männer KI häufiger als Frauen.

Die höchste Nutzungsquote findet sich im Bildungsbereich: 75 Prozent an Schulen und Hochschulen. Das zeigt, wo die Zukunft bereits Gegenwart ist.

Why Half Aren't On Board Yet

57 percent of the population don't use generative AI. The reasons are revealing:

• One third simply see no benefit

• 7% have data protection and security concerns

• Only 7% cite lack of skills

• Only 2% are unaware of AI tools

The majority considers AI relatively easy to use – they simply don't (yet) see the value for themselves. This is an opportunity for anyone teaching AI literacy: it's less about technical training, more about demonstrating practical benefits.

The Dark Side: Disinformation on the Rise

This is where it gets concerning. The study shows a clear upward trend – in the wrong direction:

Questionable Content

58 percent of the population reported encountering online content they considered false or questionable. In 2021, it was 45 percent; in 2023, already 51 percent. The upward trend continues unbroken.

Particularly affected: Young people under 30 (68%) and social media users (67%).

Phishing and Fraud

61 percent received fraudulent messages in the three months before the survey – up from 51 percent in 2023. That's 4.4 million people.

Even more alarming: The number of people suffering financial losses from online fraud doubled between 2021 and 2025 – from 1.7 to 3.4 percent. That's 250,000 people.

Hate Speech

42 percent of the population encountered hostile or demeaning messages – an increase of 4.5 percentage points. Particularly strong increases were seen in hate messages related to political opinions, religion, and xenophobic content.

The Problem: We Don't Verify

What concerns me most: Only about half of people verify whether the content they encounter online is true.

Of those who don't verify, 38 percent believe they can recognize misinformation anyway. But 15 percent honestly admit: They don't know how to verify content.

In a world where AI can create deceptively realistic text, images, and soon videos, this is a problem.

What This Means for AI Education

These numbers show: AI literacy is more than the ability to write a prompt. It encompasses:

1. Critical Thinking: Questioning results, verifying sources

2. Media Literacy: Recognizing deepfakes and manipulated content

3. Responsibility: Understanding that AI-generated content can be disinformation

4. Security Awareness: Recognizing phishing, protecting data

This is why I take a Human First approach in my workshops. AI is a powerful tool – but the responsibility for its use lies with us humans.

AI usage in Switzerland: Enthusiasm Needs Prudence

AI usage in Switzerland is on a good path. The numbers show genuine enthusiasm and broad usage. But with this power comes responsibility.

The question is no longer whether we use AI. The question is: Do we use it wisely?

That means: Questioning results. Verifying sources. Staying critical. And helping others develop these skills – especially those still standing at the edge of the digital divide.

Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO), Internet Usage Survey 2025, published December 5, 2025