More Filipinos Use Artificial Intelligence Tools Than We Realize

(SPOT.ph) It’s been a long time since artificial intelligence went from being a buzzword to a reality that we now encounter on our screens every day. Experimenting with popular AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and now Meta on Messenger is becoming increasingly common—but just how widely Filipinos are using these tools might surprise you.

A new report from Jobstreet revealed that 46% of Filipino employees use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) at work monthly, outpacing the global average of 39%.

Younger workers are leading the way, with 64% of respondents aged 18 to 24 reporting regular GenAI usage. Among industries, digitalization and IT professionals are the heaviest users, with usage rates of 71% and 65%, respectively.

Most Filipinos use it for writing tasks, followed by administrative tasks and research.

Also read: Is It Ethical for Students to Use ChatGPT? We Ask a University Professor

What artificial intelligence means for the future of work

So we know how extensively Filipinos are using GenAI. What now?

On a global scale, we’re already one step ahead of everyone else. Filipinos are highly eager to learn GenAI, with 74% of them willing to reskill to stay competitive in the workforce—a figure that Jobstreet said is high compared to global counterparts who are still hesitant. Most Filipinos prefer self-study and video tutorials over formal training programs, which makes sense given there are hundreds, if not thousands, of free AI courses on the internet.

Also read: Take These LinkedIn Courses on Artificial Intelligence for Free

That said, challenges remain. Some 42% of respondents report slow internet speed that prevents the smooth use of GenAI, while 31% struggle with creating effective prompts. Addressing these barriers requires targeted training programs and better access to resources from the companies they work for, as highlighted in the report.

It’s not too late for those who haven’t tested the waters with GenAI yet, either. Jobstreet said there hasn’t been any notable rise in job postings that list GenAI skills as a requirement in the way that Microsoft Excel or Adobe Photoshop are nowadays. Instead, it’s still largely viewed as a nice-to-have for applicants.

At the same time, AI adoption has raised concerns about job security (as it always has with new technologies). As much as 82% of Filipino workers expect AI to impact their roles, with 35% expecting significant transformations or disruptions.

The good news is that Jobstreet has not yet observed a decline in administrative roles on its platform, as AI adoption is still in its early stages. That is to say, our jobs are safe—at least for now.

Also read: How to Avoid Losing Your Job to Artificial Intelligence