AI Generation Gap: Younger Professionals More Enthusiastic but Less Ethically Aware
amsterdam, woensdag, 27 augustus 2025.
Research indicates that younger professionals in the Netherlands are more enthusiastic about new AI applications but pay less attention to ethical principles compared to older generations. While 49% of young people do not consider ethical aspects, this figure stands at 35% for professionals aged 35-55 and only 24% for those aged 55 and older. This generation gap has significant implications for the implementation and regulation of AI in the future.
Generation Gap in AI Enthusiasm and Ethical Awareness
Research shows that younger professionals in the Netherlands are more enthusiastic about new AI applications but pay less attention to ethical principles compared to older generations. While 49% of young people do not consider ethical aspects, this figure stands at 35% for professionals aged 35-55 and only 24% for those aged 55 and older [1][2]. This generation gap has significant implications for the implementation and regulation of AI in the future. The younger generation embraces new technologies more quickly but pays less attention to the accompanying ethical and legal frameworks [1][2].
Fear of Job Loss and Trust in Human Judgement
In addition to their enthusiasm, younger professionals also express more concerns about the impact of AI on their jobs. Nearly half (48%) of professionals under 35 fear job loss due to AI, compared to 39% of those aged 55 and older [1][2]. Despite this ambivalence—embracing innovation while fearing its impact—the preference for human judgement remains high. Only 42% of organisations consider AI decisions more reliable than human decisions, meaning the majority still rely on human judgement [1][2].
Ethical Considerations Lag Behind
Despite the enthusiasm for AI, ethical considerations often fall short. Nearly half of organisations do not take ethical principles into account, and only a quarter consider societal impact when applying AI. This is particularly notable given the stringent requirements set by the new European AI Act for responsible use. At the same time, 51% believe that AI should be more strictly regulated, while 44% think that AI can never be fully ethically responsible, regardless of the rules [1][2].
Collaboration Between Generations as a Solution
According to Tomas van den Nieuwendijk, director of Conclusion AI 360, the solution lies in collaboration between generations. ‘Younger professionals embrace new AI applications more quickly but pay less attention to ethics and regulation. Older colleagues, on the other hand, are better at risk management and governance. By combining these strengths, a powerful balance is achieved,’ he says [1][2]. This approach offers the opportunity to leverage both the innovative energy of younger professionals and the experience and meticulousness of older employees.
AI in Public Information and Communication
AI is playing an increasingly important role in modern public information and communication. Specific applications such as personalised information provision, chatbots for public services, and AI-driven awareness campaigns help reach various target groups and improve information dissemination. These technologies can also assist in measuring the effectiveness of awareness campaigns through detailed analytics and real-time feedback [GPT].
Benefits and Challenges of AI in Public Information
A successful example of AI application in public information is a healthcare institution in Zwolle that used AI compliance software linked to an ECD system. In the first week, hundreds of errors were detected, and the initial audit went flawlessly [5]. Although AI offers many benefits, such as efficiency and accuracy, it also presents challenges. Privacy, inclusivity, and reliability are critical aspects that need careful management. For instance, blind AI automation led to an excess of notifications, necessitating human intervention to provide the necessary nuances [5].
Accessibility of Complex Information
AI can help make complex information accessible to diverse audiences. Through natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, AI systems can simplify and tailor information to the reading level and interests of different users. This makes it possible to render technical or legal documents understandable to a broader audience, thereby making communication more effective and inclusive [GPT].