A nationally representative study conducted by Alpha Research shows that Bulgarian society is at a medium level when it comes to using generative AI applications. The study was conducted between July 7th and 14th, 2025 among 1,000 adult citizens nationwide via standardized face-to-face interviews, indicating that 44% of adult Bulgarians use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and 56% are not yet. However, usage remains relatively limited. About 13% use such tools actively, while 31% use them occasionally.
Like other countries, the adoption of AI in Bulgaria reveals important generation and education gaps. Younger and more educated people are more likely to rely on AI. One in three Bulgarians aged 18-29 report active use of AI applications, but 81% of the oldest generation have never interacted with such tools. Generation AI is familiar to middle-aged groups, but is not yet part of everyday life. The background of education further sharpens the contrast. 62% of university graduates use generation AI, while only 21% of people with low levels of education.
Bulgarians are comparable to the European average when it comes to using AI applications, but this study highlights the delay in the purpose of AI being used. Across Europe, AI tools are commonly used for both personal benefits (such as information gathering and entertainment) and for professional or academic tasks. In contrast, Bulgarian users are twice as likely to rely on personal reasons (36%) than on personal reasons (36%) (18%) rather than on increased productivity in the workplace or education.
This limited usage and imbalance for application purposes forms a mixed public attitude towards AI. There is currently a near-uniform division in public opinion, and a bit leaning towards optimism. A total of 36% believe that generative AI will benefit humanity by accelerating advances in science, medicine and other important fields. These views are held primarily by the most active users. University graduates and people aged 18 to 39. Meanwhile, nearly 32% express concern that AI poses a threat to humanity.
According to Alpha Research, the hope and fear surrounding Bulgaria's AI is part of a broader historical pattern of social mixed responses to major technological innovations. Many past breakthroughs were initially skeptical, with real-world experiences only proven their value. The public's perception of Bulgaria's AI could evolve along a similar path.
In countries where AI use is more widespread, optimism and perceptions of its benefits clearly outweigh existential concerns. This suggests that as adoption deepens, a wider and more transformative application of AI can be expected over the next few years.
