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Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue:

Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected]

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Victoria-based Shift Browser has released a new report on generational differences in AI adoption, based on a nationally representative survey of 1,448 U.S. adults conducted in February 2026. The report, titled "AI Usage in America: A Generational Divide," finds that younger Americans are both the heaviest AI users and the most concerned about its implications.

Nearly half of 18-24 year olds — 47 per cent — say they now turn to AI tools first for search, compared to 58 per cent of Americans overall who still use traditional search engines. That same age group is also raising some of the loudest concerns: 34 per cent say AI is already "far too dominant," and 67 per cent express concern about its environmental and energy costs.

The heaviest daily AI users are actually the 25-34 cohort, with 43 per cent reporting daily use compared to a 32 per cent overall average. Meanwhile, 46 per cent of 35-54 year olds say they plan to increase their AI use in the coming year — a group the report identifies as a potential growth market. At the other end, 40 per cent of adults 65 and older report never using AI, citing a lack of knowledge about how to get started.

"People do not want AI forced into every corner of their digital lives," said Michael Foucher, Shift's Vice President of Product and Customer Success. "They want AI that is useful, easy to understand and optional."

🧠 I can see clearly now: UVic researchers partnered with Australia's National University to develop a training technique that improved people's ability to detect AI-generated deepfake faces by nearly 30 per cent in under an hour, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

🌊 Changes: After 14 years leading Ocean Networks Canada, Kate Moran stepped down as President and CEO on June 30, with UVic School of Earth and Ocean Sciences director Jay Cullen stepping in as interim leader while a search for her replacement gets underway.

🎤 Let's talk about it: TEDxVictoria returns on October 7 with 12 speakers spanning Indigenous data sovereignty, cancer research at CERN, ocean plastic policy, and AI's effect on creativity — taking the stage at UVic's Farquhar Auditorium.

🌿 New from Mateína: A zero sugar, organic yerba mate that delivers clean energy — no crash, no weird ingredients. Just plant-powered fuel that works.*

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August 22 | Cursor Codechella

​This is a one-day hackathon for 150 to 200 builders, creatives, or thinkers who want to finally ship that project they've always wanted to exist. This is not a demo day hackathon.

September 21-25 | Victoria Tech Week 2026

Unlike traditional single-venue conferences, Victoria Tech Week empowers local businesses to open their doors and welcome attendees inside, offering an authentic behind-the-scenes look at Victoria's thriving tech ecosystem. From startup workshops in James Bay to AI panels in downtown office towers and networking sessions in Saanich tech hubs, participants will experience the full breadth of Vancouver Island’s innovation landscape.

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