A study on the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) among adult internet users in Slovenia, conducted by researchers at the Faculty of Social Sciences UL, shows that as the use of this technology rapidly expands, concerns are also growing about the future development of artificial intelligence (AI), its impact on work and interpersonal relationships, as well as issues related to privacy and surveillance.
80% already use Generative AI
Users most commonly rely on free generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools. However, 24% of monthly users now use paid tools, an increase of 14 percentage points compared to 2025. ChatGPT remains the most widely used tool among weekly users, although its share has declined from 83% in 2025 to 69% in 2026.
In the workplace, 41% of employed internet users use GenAI, with 80% reporting that it saves them time. However, due to new tasks associated with the use of GenAI, the overall workload has increased more often (17%) than decreased (15%). Furthermore, half of employees believe that AI will significantly change their work over the next five years, while one-third expect AI to replace most of the tasks they currently perform.
GenAI is used for educational purposes by 91% of university students and adult secondary school students, 92% of whom report saving time. At the same time, compared to 2025, the perceived time savings in work and education have declined, while concerns are growing that the use of GenAI may negatively affect the quality of work and learning.
From initial enthusiasm to greater caution
Although the use of GenAI is expanding rapidly, trust in GenAI and AI services among both new and existing users has declined compared to 2025. Among users, 42% are concerned about the future development of AI, while only 15% are enthusiastic. Among frequent GenAI users, the situation is reversed: 38% are enthusiastic, while 19% are concerned.
On average, GenAI users report that the technology has a positive impact on their personal well-being and social lives. Nevertheless, collective pessimism about AI’s impact on employment and interpersonal relationships is increasing. Slovenia ranks among the more pessimistic countries in this regard.
Users’ Relationships with Chatbots
Most GenAI users treat chatbots as if they were people, interacting with them in a friendly, respectful, and considerate manner. Approximately one-fifth of users feel comfortable interacting with chatbots and would miss them if they were no longer available. For slightly more than one in ten users, this relationship has already become personally meaningful.
Around 5% of users have developed a personal relationship with GenAI and turn to it when they need someone to talk to. Most users have also consulted the technology about personal and intimate matters, with one in ten doing so on a weekly basis.
Concerns about GenAI regulation
Despite growing general concerns about the development of AI, the proportion of users who believe that AI is insufficiently regulated has decreased from 45% in 2025 to 38% in 2026. At the same time, the proportion of those concerned about excessive regulation has increased from 32% to 35%.
Fewer than one in five users trust that the European Union and Slovenia will regulate AI appropriately. Meanwhile, 71% believe that education on the responsible use of GenAI should be incorporated into the school curriculum.
The study was conducted in May 2026 by the Centre for Social Informatics at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, using a representative sample of 1,435 Slovenian residents recruited through the probability-based online 1KA panel.
More information about the research findings is available here.
Picture: Africa images/Canva/ uni-lj.si
