2025年全球AI采用_数字鸿沟正在扩大_18页_1mb

Summary of Global AI Adoption in 2025

Core Content

In 2025, global AI adoption continued to rise, with a notable increase of 1.2 percentage points compared to the first half of the year. By the end of 2025, approximately 16.3% of the world's population had used generative AI tools, marking significant progress for a technology that was only recently mainstream. However, this growth has been uneven, with a widening digital divide between the Global North and South.

Main Points

• Global AI Adoption Growth:
  The global AI diffusion rate increased from 15.1% in H1 2025 to 16.3% in H2 2025.

  • Global North: 24.7% of the working age population used AI tools, up from 22.9%.
  • Global South: 14.1% of the working age population used AI tools, up from 13.1%.
  • Rate of Growth: The Global North's adoption growth was nearly twice as fast as the Global South, widening the gap from 9.8 to 10.6 percentage points.

• Top Performing Countries:
  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore led the global rankings, with the UAE reaching 64.0% AI adoption in H2 2025, up from 59.4% in H1.

  • South Korea made the most significant jump, rising from 25th to 18th place, with AI usage increasing from ~26% to 30.7%.
  • Other notable increases included New Zealand, Ireland, France, and the Netherlands.

• AI Diffusion Methodology:
  AI diffusion is measured as the percentage of people using generative AI products, based on Microsoft telemetry data adjusted for OS, device, internet penetration, and population. The methodology is continuously refined by the Microsoft AI Economy Institute.

• Drivers of AI Adoption:

  • Policy and Governance: Countries like the UAE and South Korea have implemented national AI strategies and governance frameworks that have supported widespread adoption.
  • Model Improvements: Enhanced performance of large language models, especially for Korean (e.g., GPT-4o and GPT-5), played a crucial role in adoption.
  • Cultural Impact: A viral moment in April 2025, where Ghibli-style images generated by ChatGPT-4o captured public attention in South Korea, contributed to increased user engagement and adoption.

• Emergence of Open-Source AI:
  DeepSeek, an open-source AI platform, gained significant traction, especially in underrepresented markets like Africa and parts of Asia.

  • By releasing its model under an MIT license and offering a free chatbot, DeepSeek removed financial and technical barriers to AI access.
  • It became particularly popular in China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Belarus, and Africa, where Western platforms face restrictions or limited access.

• Geopolitical Implications:
  The rise of DeepSeek highlights the growing influence of Chinese AI in regions where Western platforms are not as accessible. This trend may continue into 2026, as open-source AI becomes a more viable option for broader adoption.

• Challenges and Future Outlook:
  While AI adoption is growing rapidly, the digital divide remains a concern. The challenge is to ensure that the next wave of AI users comes from diverse regions and that innovation helps narrow rather than widen the gap.

  • The U.S., despite being a leader in AI infrastructure and innovation, lagged behind in adoption compared to smaller, more digitized economies.
  • Countries with strong early investment in digital infrastructure and AI continue to lead, but new entrants like South Korea and DeepSeek are reshaping the global landscape.

Key Information

• AI Diffusion Metrics:

  • Global North: 24.7% (H2 2025)
  • Global South: 14.1% (H2 2025)
  • Worldwide: 16.3% (H2 2025)

• Notable Country Performance:

  • South Korea: 30.7% (H2 2025), up 4.8% from H1.
  • UAE: 64.0% (H2 2025), up 4.5%.
  • DeepSeek: Gained significant traction in Africa and other regions due to its open-source model and free access.

• Technological and Policy Factors:

  • UAE: Had a long-term AI strategy, including the appointment of the first Minister of State for AI in 2017.
  • South Korea: Implemented national policies, improved Korean-language models, and leveraged a cultural moment to drive adoption.

• Consumer Engagement:
  The viral image generation feature in ChatGPT-4o helped introduce AI to millions of new users in South Korea, leading to sustained engagement and adoption.

• Open-Source Impact:
  DeepSeek's open-source model and free chatbot provided a more accessible option for users in regions where Western platforms are not widely available, contributing to its rapid growth.

Conclusion

The year 2025 saw a significant acceleration in global AI adoption, with the technology becoming more mainstream. However, the growth was uneven, with the Global North outpacing the Global South. Emerging players like South Korea and DeepSeek are reshaping the AI landscape, highlighting the importance of accessibility, affordability, and local adaptation in driving adoption. The challenge moving forward is to ensure that AI innovation is inclusive and helps bridge the digital divide.