Gen Z’s Complex Feelings About AI

Gen Z is showing signs of growing skepticism towards AI, yet they aren’t ready to abandon it just yet. A recent survey indicates that the excitement surrounding AI is fading for this digital-savvy generation as it becomes more integrated into their educational and professional lives. While many young individuals still feel compelled to utilize the technology, their enthusiasm is waning, and frustration is on the rise.

The survey, conducted earlier this year, reveals a notable decline in Gen Z’s positive feelings about AI compared to last year. Only 18 percent expressed hopefulness about the technology, and just 22 percent felt excited, down from 27 percent and 36 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, the number of respondents feeling anger towards AI has increased to 31 percent, up from 22 percent last year. Concerns about AI remain steady, with around 40 percent reporting anxiety about its implications.

The perceived drawbacks of using AI in educational and work settings have also evolved. Nearly half of Gen Z workers now believe that the risks associated with AI outweigh its benefits, marking an 11-point increase from the previous year. Despite this, a majority (56 percent) still recognize that AI tools can help them work more efficiently. However, 80 percent of Gen Z-ers worry that relying on AI for quicker results may hinder their learning in the long run.

Despite these concerns, Gen Z continues to engage with AI, although the growth in usage has slowed significantly. Just over half of them report using AI at least weekly, a slight increase from 47 percent last year, and around half anticipate needing AI for their higher education and future careers.

Experts note that Gen Z isn’t completely dismissing AI; rather, they are reevaluating its significance in their lives. This generation acknowledges the practical benefits of AI but is increasingly wary of its potential long-term effects on education, trust, and career preparedness.

These insights emerge as AI matures into a more established technology, presenting clearer implications for a generation facing a challenging job market characterized by widespread layoffs, all while navigating educational institutions that are struggling to keep pace with the rapid advancement of AI. Distrust towards AI is also growing among the public, particularly in relation to the companies developing these technologies.