TLDR: A recent survey by Talkmobile indicates that two-thirds of Londoners find the increasing use of artificial intelligence ‘annoying,’ with a significant majority able to identify when someone is using AI tools like ChatGPT. The study highlights generational divides in AI perception and usage, revealing that younger generations are more attuned to AI’s presence and often find it more bothersome, while also being more frequent users.
A new survey conducted by mobile network operator Talkmobile reveals a growing sentiment of annoyance among Londoners regarding the pervasive use of artificial intelligence. The study, published on May 7, 2025, found that a substantial two-thirds (67%) of London residents believe the frequent application of AI is becoming ‘annoying.’ This sentiment is particularly strong among the capital’s youngest adults, with four in five Gen Z Londoners expressing this view, while less than two-thirds of millennials share the same level of frustration.
The research also sheds light on the public’s ability to discern AI-generated content. A significant three-quarters (78%) of Londoners believe it is ‘easy’ to spot when someone is utilizing AI software such as ChatGPT. Gen Zs demonstrate the sharpest eye for these digital tells, with almost four in five (79%) stating they can identify the tell-tale signs. In contrast, less than half of baby boomers (45%) feel confident in their ability to detect AI use.
Despite the annoyance, AI usage varies across the population. Three in ten (30%) Londoners report never having used AI in their lives. However, a notable two in ten (20%) use it on a weekly basis, and 17% engage with AI daily. Millennials are the most frequent daily users, with 17% reporting daily use, closely followed by Gen Z at 16%.
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The survey further explored attitudes towards AI in the workplace, revealing that two-thirds (65%) of Londoners would be ‘annoyed’ if they discovered a work colleague using AI to perform their job. The study also highlighted a generational divide in overall perception of AI’s impact: half of baby boomers (aged 60 to 78) believe AI is having a negative effect on life (50%), whereas millennials (aged 28 to 43) are the most optimistic, with nearly two-fifths (38%) believing AI brings a benefit to their lives. Overall, a quarter (25%) of London residents hold a negative view of AI, encompassing everything from ChatGPT to AI videos and chatbots.
