Salam Watandar’s study investigates how well young Afghans are acquainted with fundamental Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts, how they use it, and how AI can influence their educational and career decisions.
Statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a simulation of human intelligence in computers, aimed at creating machines that are programmed to think like humans and can mimic human behaviors. AI is one of the most advanced and fascinating fields of science that has globally gained significant attention in recent decades. The aim of this research is to assess Afghan youths’ familiarity with AI and its applications.
Research background
The use of AI and its impacts on human life are increasingly being discussed today. Various studies and reports have been published about Afghan youths’ access to technology and their use of related tools. However, no comprehensive research has been conducted on the level of awareness of AI and its usage among young people in Afghanistan. This study, by selecting samples of young individuals, provides data on their familiarity with AI and explores how AI is applied in their lives and its potential effects.
Research objective
The primary objective of this study is to assess Afghan youths’ awareness of AI and how they incorporate it into their lives. Another key aim is to offer recommendations for improving awareness and promoting the use of AI among this demographic.
Research questions
- To what extent are young people in Afghanistan familiar with AI?
- In which areas do young people in Afghanistan use AI?
- How much does AI contribute to the advancement of young people’s lives in Afghanistan?
Research methodology
This study utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods, including the distribution of questionnaires, conducting interviews, and using Google Forms. The data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Research timeline
The preparation of this research report was completed between November 15 to December 10 of the year 2024.
Challenges of the study
Conducting research in Afghanistan presents various challenges, and this study encountered the following issues:
- Some young people were unfamiliar with even the basic concepts of AI and were unable to respond to the questions accurately.
- Accessing the target population was another challenge due to limited internet access among young people in Afghanistan, which hindered the distribution of Google Forms for the survey.
General report
Salam Watandar conducted a survey to assess Afghan youths’ awareness of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its applications, and concerns related to its use. The survey covered 34 provinces, with 395 young participants, including 97 women, making up 24.6% of the respondents.
The survey analyzed the age groups of the participants: 24.4% were aged 15-20, 43.4% were between 20-25, 18.8% were between 25-30, and 13.5% were between 30-35 years old.
Regarding educational levels, 27.7% were university students, 20.1% had completed associate degree , 45.9% held a bachelor’s degree, and 6.3% had a master’s degree.
The survey was conducted in 34 provinces, with Kabul leading at 35%, followed by Balkh at 10.9%, Parwan at 10.2%, Panjshir at 7.6%, Kapisa at 7.1%, and Khost at 0.3%.
Familiarity with AI
Familiarity with AI was one of the main topics of the survey. Among the 395 participants, 290 (73.6%) reported being familiar with AI, while 105 (26.4%) said they were not.
Of those familiar with AI, 65.9% learned about it through social media, 27.2% through friends, and 6.9% through educational programs.
When asked about their level of familiarity with AI, 40.2% said they were very familiar, 34.6% claimed to have some familiarity, and 25.2% reported limited knowledge.
Usage of AI
Regarding the use of AI, 41.4% said they use it for education and skill development, 34.5% use it for education, work, and entertainment, 15.6% use it solely for work, and 8.5% use it only for entertainment.
Concerns about using AI
Concerns regarding the use of AI were also examined in the survey. Among those familiar with AI, 35.8% expressed concerns that it could lead to cognitive decline, reduced job opportunities, and threats to personal security.
At least 35.2% of respondents mentioned only cognitive decline, while 13% viewed data privacy as a major concern. 9.1% said they had no concerns, and 6.8% feared that AI could reduce job opportunities in society.
Trust in AI-generated content
The survey also explored the trustworthiness of AI-generated content. 65% of respondents expressed relative trust in the information provided by AI, 18.3% trusted it completely, and 16.7% did not trust AI at all.
Ease of use in education and work
AI has created conveniences for many respondents. 45.3% reported that AI had made their education and work somewhat easier, 39.4% felt it had made their tasks significantly easier, 10.7% said it had made only slight improvements, and 4.6% stated that AI had not made any noticeable improvements to their work or studies.
When asked about specific areas where AI had made things easier, 41.4% cited education and skill enhancement, 34.5% mentioned education, work, and entertainment, 15.6% referred to work, and 8.5% mentioned entertainment.
Recommendations
- To design and organize educational and practical programs about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various regions of Afghanistan so that young people can acquire the necessary skills to use this technology effectively.
- Development of educational content in local languages in Afghanistan, such as videos, guidebooks, and online courses, that explain AI concepts in simple terms.
- Collaboration with universities, schools, and educational centers to integrate fundamental AI concepts into both formal and informal curricula.
- Establish research centers in different provinces of Afghanistan to study and research AI, and provide localized solutions to relevant problems.
- To create stronger infrastructure to ensure easier access to the internet and technological tools, particularly in remote areas, to increase youth participation in AI use.
- Provide supportive environments, including financial support, consultations, and guidance for young people who wish to start AI-based businesses.
- Organize programs to raise awareness about the positive and negative consequences of AI usage and offer strategies to address concerns such as personal security threats, job loss, and other social challenges.
- Educate and emphasize the responsible and ethical use of AI in daily life, and create relevant policies and regulations to prevent misuse.
