Nearly 40 per cent of 16-24 year olds would be happy to get into a self-driving car and a quarter would put their child alone into one.
This compared to just 20 per cent of over 55s being willing to use the technology and just 8 per cent trusting it with their child.
These are the latest research figures from a survey carried out on behalf of the UK arm of Japanese ICT giant Fujitsu.
“Technology is transforming Britain and has the potential to bring enormous benefits to our society,” said Rupal Karia, Head of Public and Private sector for Fujitsu UK.
“However, we must ensure that we take steps to avoid a digital generation gap.
“That means upskilling consumers, but also increasing their awareness about what technology can do. That will help to ensure that the UK is truly ready for a digital future.”
The survey included 2,000 UK consumers and 635 IT decision makers in the retail, utilities, financial services, central government and transport sectors.
The study also found:
- Older consumers are more likely to feel personally responsible for understanding new technologies
- 61 per cent of 16-24 year olds are excited by the way technology is shaping the UK, compared to 37 per cent of over 55s
- 28 per cent of over 45s feel that they have all the skills needed to take advantage of new technology, compared to 44 per cent of those aged 44 and under
- One in four of the over 55’s believe that cyber-attacks are the biggest threat facing the UK
- 43 per cent of 16-24 year olds believe social anxiety than over 55s
- 31 per cent of over 55s are concerned about technology’s effect on to social skills, compared to just 10 per cent of 16-24 year olds
“The UK can become a leader in tech, both in our personal lives and through our businesses, but the public and private sector must take citizens of every age with us on that journey,” added Kaira.