Gen Z AI Use Stays Steady, But Half Growing More Skeptical of Technology
About half of Gen Z still uses artificial intelligence regularly, but young people are becoming much more skeptical and angry about the technology. A new Gallup study found people aged 14-29 are increasingly questioning AI's effects on their thinking, learning and creativity skills.
Young Americans are keeping their distance from artificial intelligence hype, even as they continue using the technology at steady rates.
A new Gallup survey reveals that while roughly half of Gen Z still uses AI tools, people between ages 14 and 29 are becoming increasingly skeptical of the technology. Many are now questioning whether AI hurts their ability to think, learn and be creative.
"Gen Z-ers have become increasingly skeptical, increasingly negative — from a place where even last year, they weren't particularly positive about it," said Zach Hrynowski, a senior education researcher for Gallup.
The findings challenge assumptions that younger generations automatically embrace new technology. Instead, Gen Z appears to be developing a more critical view of AI after experiencing it firsthand.
The skepticism centers on concerns about cognitive skills. Many young people worry that relying on AI might weaken their natural thinking abilities or make them less creative over time.
This shift in attitude comes as AI tools become more common in schools and early-career jobs, potentially creating tension between institutional adoption and user skepticism.
As AI becomes common in schools and workplaces, Gen Z's growing doubts could shape how the technology develops. Their concerns about AI hurting cognitive skills might influence everything from classroom policies to job training programs.
Watch for how schools and employers respond to Gen Z's growing AI skepticism in policies and training programs.
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