More than seven in 10 Brits believe AI will never replace advice from their elders.
A study of 2,000 adults found while 21 percent use these artificial intelligence tools for help several times a week, 92 percent believe some forms of wisdom can only be gained through lived experience.
In fact, 71 percent feel AI advice will never replace genuine human connection, with mums (39 percent), female friends (20 percent) and sisters (12 percent) ranked among the most trusted sources of advice.
It also emerged those polled go to older people for tips on how to make a relationship last (19 percent), coping with stress (19 percent) and navigate a career change (13 percent).
Older generations are also valued for their practical know-how, including weeding the garden (16 percent), bleeding a radiator (18 percent) and removing stains from clothes (25 percent).
The research was commissioned by Maltesers, the candy company, which is encouraging people to submit their questions to its ‘Age Intelligence panel’, a playful spoof on AI hosted by British actor Sue Johnston—as part of the malted milk ball confection’s 90th anniversary.
“AI is very handy for quick answers,” said the actress. ”But it can’t tell you what a real person would say, remind you to take a cardigan sweater, or confirm that you’re definitely not overreacting (when you probably are).”
“Real wisdom comes from living through life’s ups and downs – and from the people who’ve been there with you, armed with a story, an opinion and a cup of tea they insist you have before making any decisions.
The research also found 55 percent of those who believed that AI will never replace advice from older generations say it’s because they offer real-life experience that technology simply cannot replicate.
Almost half believe advice from older people is more authentic, with 43 percent believing they’re better able to understand the nuances and emotions behind a situation.
Additionally, respondents value the personal stories and life lessons they provide, according to the OnePoll findings.
Among the most valued pearls of wisdom cited by those surveyed were “save for a rainy day” and “treat others as you would like to be treated”, as well as “life is too short to hold grudges”.
However, 64 percent of AI users admitted they have sought help from a chatbot when they could have, instead, spoken to a real person.
Like many of us would, 4 in 10 chose AI because it provided immediate answers. 25% appreciated the anonymity they felt, and another quarter preferred AI because it can sometimes explain things more simply.
Despite this, trust remains a challenge when it comes to personal topics— with just 18% relying on AI-generated parenting advice and 17% for relationship advice.
By comparison, 77% prefer advice from real people on personal topics.
Claire Norgate from Maltesers, which is also celebrating its long-standing partnership with Comic Relief which has raised more than £8.5 million for charity.
“There are some things it simply can’t replicate—the stories, perspective, humor and connection that come from real-life experience.
Whether it’s a parent, sibling, friend, or someone from an older generation, sometimes the best advice comes from simply having a conversation.
TOP ADVICE WE ASK OLDER PEOPLE FOR
1. How to cook a family recipe
2. How to make an important life decision
3. How to stay healthy as you get older
4. How to deal with disappointment or setbacks
5. How to grow fruit and vegetables
6. How to raise children
7. How to carry out basic DIY repairs
8. How to remove a stain from clothes
9. How to budget and manage money
10. How to handle a disagreement with a friend
11. How to choose a reliable tradesperson
12. How to make a relationship last
13. How to cope with stress and anxiety
14. How to maintain a long-term relationship
15. How to bleed a radiator
16. What the best Victoria sponge recipes are
17. How to look after a car
18. How to buy a house
19. How to unblock a sink
20. How to build confidence
21. How to weed the garden
22. How to achieve a good work-life balance
23. How to change a tyre
24. How to get rid of unwanted guests without being rude
25. How to navigate a career change
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