Nigeria is showing an increased interest in the topic of artificial intelligence (AI), according to new search trends released by Google today.
Search interest in the topic of AI reached a record high in 2022, both in Nigeria and across the world.
The top trending questions in Nigeria include “what is AI art”, “what is deep learning in artificial intelligence”, “how to become an AI engineer” and “when was artificial intelligence invented”. All of these questions have been searched 5,000% more in 2022 compared to 2021.
Google, who views AI as a solution to address significant societal challenges such as climate change, recently shared their approach to pursuing AI responsibly. This includes prioritizing building and testing for safety, and prioritizing its purpose for public good.
Matt Brittin, President of Google Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: “It’s great to see people in Nigeria showing more of an interest in the transformational technology that is AI. AI is already a key part of many of our lives – in fact, if you use Google tools regularly, you’re probably using AI without even realizing: it’s what helps Maps give you the fastest or most fuel-efficient route, or Search to find what you’re looking for. We’re continuing to pursue AI boldly and responsibly – creating tools that improve the lives of as many people as possible.”
In addition to increased interest in AI, the trends also show that Nigerians are increasingly concerned about their cybersecurity and online privacy. In 2022, searches for “computer security” were the top form of security searched globally and in Nigeria, while “cybercrime” was searched at record levels worldwide. Nigerians frequently searched for cybersecurity, with “what is ethical hacking” increasing by over 5,000%. Searches for “what is cybersecurity” and “what is a virus in a computer” increased by 200% and 80% respectively. Google is using AI to address security challenges, including on Gmail, which blocks more than 99.9% of malware, phishing, and spam while protecting more than 1.5 billion inboxes using AI.
In 2022, searches for “private browsing” surged by 70% in Nigeria, with the country searching for “one time password” more than any other country worldwide. Searches for “password manager” – a Google tool for using strong, unique passwords for all online accounts – also reached a 10-year high in Nigeria. People in Nigeria are also turning to Google to learn new skills and build their careers. Searches for “how to learn coding” doubled, while searches for “how to learn video editing” (+450%), “how to learn web development” (+350%) and “how to learn photoshop” (+130%) also increased. People also used Google to prepare for job interviews and find new opportunities, with search interest for the topic “job” increasing by 50%.
In addition to their concern for their personal development, people in Nigeria are also showing increased interest in environmentalism and sustainability. Across the world, searches for “climate change”, “climate crisis” and “sustainability” reached record highs. In Nigeria, searches for “eco anxiety”, “greenwashing”, and “veganism” are at an all-time high. Nigerians are also increasingly searching for “green energy”, “sustainable art” and “low emission vehicle” – all rising over 5,000% – as well as “renewable fuels” (+330%), “green growth” (+330%) and “solar fuel” (+240%).
