Less Than One-Third Of Indians Have Tried Any Generative AI Tool: Google-Kantar Study

While excitement regarding artificial intelligence among people in India is high, it's still early days for adoption. A new study by Google and Kantar shows that 60% of surveyed people weren't familiar with AI, and only 31% have tried any generative AI tool.

The study, drawn from a survey of over 8,000 people across 18 cities showed a strong, innate desire among Indians to improve and excel, with the majority seeking to boost productivity (72%), enhance creativity (77%) and communicate more effectively (73%) in their daily lives. 

Gen AI tools like Gemini are increasingly meeting this desire of a collaborative guide. Google is seeing significant positive impact among early adopters: 92% of Gemini users report a boost in confidence, 93% report it has supercharged their productivity, and 85% Gemini users in India feel it helps spark their creativity.

The majority of people surveyed are seeking personal efficiency, with 72% expressing the need to be more productive in their daily lives. While 77% want to be more creative, 73% want to communicate more effectively. 

People face hurdles like constant time pressures, frustrating creative blocks, and challenges expressing themselves clearly, impacting confidence and opportunities. This desire extends beyond work or school: 76% want to save time on everyday tasks like planning travel or managing budgets, and 84% want to be more creative with everyday tasks like helping kids with homework or trying recipes.

Common roadblocks often prevent progress, such as simply getting started (a struggle for 68%) or lacking necessary skills and guidance (which holds back 52%). These frustrations often stop people from pursuing goals altogether, with 61% of Indians reporting they abandoned a professional or creative aspiration due to such hurdles. 

This friction also sometimes saps confidence, with 73% worry about how their message or tone comes across. It also prevents people from fully pursuing everyday passions, like trying new recipes (where 71% feel blocked) or planning desired travel (which 67% find hindering).

The study showed that 92% of Gemini users report feeling more confident, with high impact among gen Z (94%), students (95%), and women (94%). Gemini users also report other benefits: 93% said Gemini boosted their efficiency and task management, while 85% feel it helps spark new ideas and unlock creative expression.

Communication is enhanced for 94%, who report Gemini helps them express themselves clearly and effectively. Furthermore, 80% said Gemini has helped with complex decision-making or expert guidance, 69% said it supported their skill development and learning journey, and 77% found it helped them pursue a new creative or professional pursuit.