Almost seven in 10 people are concerned that artificial intelligence (AI) will lead to more sophisticated fraud next year, according to new research from PTSB.
The latest edition of PTSB’s Reflecting Ireland research series, conducted by Core Research, shows 68% of respondents saying they agree that AI development will lead to more sophisticated fraud next year, up significantly from 62% last year. This finding mirrors an overall high level of concern in relation to fraud more generally, with those who believe financial fraud will become more sophisticated in 2026 rising to 69% from 65% in 2024.
There are similar levels of concern about the impact of AI on job security, with 47% of respondents who say they are very concerned or somewhat concerned about AI’s impact on job security, compared with 44% of respondents who said the same last year. When those who have any level of concern are included, the total number of respondents concerned rises to 71%, up from 66% in 2024.
The year-on-year increase in concern over AI’s impact on job security is particularly evident among two different age cohorts, where there have been sizeable increases in levels of concern: 18–24 year olds with 80% concerned in 2025, up from 66% in 2024, and among 45-54 year olds with 72% concerned in 2025, up from 64% last year.
Overall, more than twice as many people, 39% (up from 36% last year) vs 18% see the pace of AI development as a threat over those who see it as an opportunity. The concern is even more marked among 18-24 year olds with over half, 53%, viewing it as a threat.
Males are significantly more likely to see AI developments as an opportunity, pointing to a potential gender gap emerging in technology adoption in Ireland. When asked if the pace of AI development represents an opportunity, significantly more males (23%) agreed than females (14%).
Despite the growth in concern over AI’s impact, the research also suggests AI adoption rates are increasing with more people (55%) planning to use AI in 2026 than did this year (50%). Interestingly, although concern around AI is highest among 18-24 year olds, nearly three-quarters plan to use (73%) AI in 2026 – more than any other age group.
Other key findings of the research include:
The research has found that attitudes towards social media and screen time are changing, with young people in particular keen to place more boundaries on usage.
When asked for their top New Year’s Resolutions for 2026, 18-24 year olds included spending less time on social media, in addition to losing weight, sorting out their finances, eating healthier and spending more time with family and friends.
As Australia introduces a ban on social media for under 16s, there may be a growing and heightened awareness of the potential harms caused by excessive social media usage, and a growing interest in curbing them.
Almost half (48%) of all respondents said they would aim to cut back on mobile screen time next year. This view was most commonly held among 18-24 year olds, of whom 59% said they would look to reduce the amount of time they spent on their phones in 2026.
The cost of living continues to be the number 1 issue facing the country with 75% reporting it as one of the top 3 issues, followed by the price of housing (43%), and homelessness (42%).
Attitudes towards the cost of living were particularly felt in rising grocery prices, with 29% of people reporting grocery shopping as their biggest spend for 2025 (up 8% pts versus the previous year), and 23% anticipating it will be their biggest spend of 2026.
Looking towards 2026, when asked which were the most important issues to respondents personally, there was little change year on year with standards of healthcare at 93%, availability of housing at 81% and pensions at 78%. Those citing Climate Change reduced to 65% from 71% in 2024.
Over 7 in 10 (72%) are saving on a regular basis, or whenever there is money to spare, and this intention is most prominent in 25-34-year olds (83%), 18-24-year olds (77%) and 35-44-year olds (74%).
However, there is a slight increase (3% pts) in those reporting that they will not be in a position to save money in 2026 compared to this time last year.
The key motivation for saving is to build a ‘rainy day’ fund (55%), which has increased by 5% pts over the last two years. This is followed by holidays (42%) and home improvements (25%).
Other motivations to save vary by age group, with under 35s the most likely to save for a mortgage deposit, and over 35s more likely to save for home improvements.
“The rapid pace of AI development has had a major effect on sentiment across all age groups, and while more people intend to use the technology next year both personally and for work, there is growing concern around its impact, particularly in relation to financial fraud and on job security. It is notable that despite planning to use AI more than any other age group, 18-24 year olds are most concerned about both its general threat and its impact on job security.
Meanwhile, given the heightened focus on social media usage amongst children and teens, it is interesting to note that six in ten 18-24 year olds – more than any other age group – say they will look to reduce their mobile screen time, while also cutting back on social media in 2026.”
“We continue to be a nation of savers, which is motivated primarily by a desire to build a ‘rainy day’ fund, but which is also influenced by saving for a mortgage deposit or home improvements depending on our life stages. For many, this is being achieved within a wider context of ongoing concerns over the cost of living. As we look ahead to 2026, sorting out our finances and cutting back on spending is one of our top five resolutions, along with improving our physical and mental health.”
Read the full Reflecting Ireland report
Note to Editors
PTSB’s Reflecting Ireland research is conducted every quarter and is based on an online survey of 1,000 adults across Ireland. The sample was nationally representative of the population based on age, gender, region and social class, and has a margin of error of +/- 3% at the 95% confidence level. Fieldwork was conducted between 13-23 November 2025.
