Stories from the Network: X

When was the last time you spoke to a chatbot? Asked Alexa to add something to your shopping list? Used ChatGPT or Gemini to research or write for you? This new technology is fast becoming a big part of our everyday lives. In our third blog in the series, we spoke to X - a community partner in our National Digital Inclusion Network - to find out what they're doing around AI, the challenges they're facing and what their communities are saying about this new era of technology.

What is your hub doing to support people with AI?

For X, it starts with our free digital skills platform, Learn My Way - as an easy introductionto AI. They then invite learners to try AI. For example, using it to help write an email or asking ChatGPT to write about a topic that they choose.

Are there any challenges your hub is facing with AI? 

Adopting AI doesn't come without its hurdles and in X's community there are two challenges they are actively working to address - overcoming fear and anxiety as well as clearing up misunderstandings. 

Many community members express concerns about job displacement, privacy, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the pace of change.

X said:

"We're creating safe, supportive environments where people can explore AI tools at their own pace, ask questions without judgment, and build confidence through hands-on experience..."

According to X, misinformation about AI capabilities and limitations is widespread.

X continued: 

"Some people have unrealistic expectations about what AI can do, while others
underestimate its practical applications."

To tackle this, their educational approach focuses on demystifying AI through clear, jargon-free explanations and real-world demonstrations that show both the
possibilities and the boundaries of these technologies.

X added:

"We always encourage clients to know how to do something, even if they choose not to use it."

Has there been any interest from your community in learning about AI?

Initial interest in AI learning was limited, but the hub is encouraged by steady growth in community engagement. 

X said: 

"More people are recognising that AI literacy isn't just about keeping up with technology—it's about empowerment and opportunity. We live and work in rural North Yorkshire. Public transport is limited, and many post offices, banks, and shops have closed. We also have an ageing population. There is a growing awareness that online tools, including AI, can make life easier."

Many apps now integrate AI - there's virtual assistants which use natural language processing and machine learning. It's also built into apps for various purposes, such as grammar checking, language learning, note-taking (Otter.ai), and even art creation. Additionally, AI is used in apps for navigation. So, some people in X's community are using AI without realising it is an AI application.

X has seen their community engaging with AI technology in two ways. Each of these uses offers people unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The first is navigating services and applications.

X said:

"Many people are discovering how AI can streamline their interactions with both public and private sector services. Whether it's getting help with government applications, understanding complex procedures, or finding quick answers to service-related queries, AI is becoming an invaluable digital assistant that makes bureaucratic processes more accessible and manageable."

The second is enhancing learning and communication. 

X works with Afghan refugees and AI translation services are enabling them to communicate, even when a translator is not available.

X added: 

For learners and professionals alike, AI has emerged as a powerful writing companion. Community members are using these tools to improve their spelling and grammar, refine their writing style, and even generate content from scratch. This application is particularly valuable for those looking to enhance their communication skills or overcome language barriers..."

X is seeing increased participation in their workshops, more questions during their drop-in sessions and growing willingness to experiment with AI tools. Open-source and free versions of AI are available, encouraging learners to give it a try. 

X said:

"This gradual but consistent growth tells us that our patient, supportive approach is working."

It isn't just about teaching people to use new tools; it's also about building confidence, fostering curiosity, and ensuring that everyone can participate in our increasingly digital world. 

X summarised:

At X, we're committed to ensuring everyone in our community can confidently navigate this evolving landscape and harness AI's potential to enhance their daily lives...We're committed to meeting people where they are, addressing their specific concerns, and providing the ongoing support they need to succeed. As AI continues to evolve, so will our programs and resources. We're here to ensure that no-one gets left behind in this digital transformation and that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from these new technologies.