The following post pulls together a recent Gallup survey, done with the Walton Family Foundation and GSV Ventures, to see how U.S. Gen Z (ages 14–29) use and feel about generative AI.
It highlights shifts in optimism, worries about creativity and critical thinking, and what these attitudes could mean for education, early careers, and policy as AI keeps weaving into daily life and work.
What the Gallup survey reveals about Gen Z and generative AI
The study surveyed over 1,500 people in February and March. More than half of Gen Z uses generative AI regularly, but their feelings about it are getting more negative.
Hopeful sentiment dropped from 27% last year to just 18% this year. Excitement is fading, and now nearly a third say they feel angry about AI.
Even so, a lot of young people still see practical benefits for school and work.
Key findings
- More than half of Gen Z uses generative AI on a regular basis.
- Hopefulness about AI fell from 27% to 18% in just a year.
- Excitement is down, and nearly one in three say they feel angry about AI.
- Many admit AI might boost efficiency in education and the workplace, but they worry about losing creativity and critical thinking.
- Skepticism is highest among those already working; almost half of employed respondents think AI’s risks outweigh its benefits at work, which is up 11 points from last year.
- Just 15% see AI as a net benefit at work.
Implications for education and the workforce
The early professional environment seems to shape Gen Z’s view of AI, and that could affect skill development and mental outlook.
Technologies that promise efficiency might also challenge creativity, independence, and long-term adaptability—things that really matter for career growth.
Education and creativity at risk
- Creativity and critical thinking could change as people rely more on AI tools, maybe shrinking chances for independent problem-solving.
- Educators might need to rethink curricula to include AI literacy while still protecting analytical and creative skills.
- If AI replaces active learning instead of inspiring deeper inquiry, students might not develop skills evenly.
Pathways forward: responsible AI adoption in society
As Gen Z enters the workforce, there’s a real challenge in balancing efficiency gains from AI with protecting creativity and mental well-being.
It seems important for stakeholders to create spaces where AI supports human judgment—not just replaces it—and where workers can handle risks and get the most out of meaningful work.
Guidelines for educators, employers, and policymakers
- Roll out AI literacy programs that focus on critical thinking, ethical use, and spotting bias in AI outputs.
- Offer equity-focused training so all workers, even the newest hires, can use AI without making skill gaps worse.
- Push for transparent AI governance at work, with clear lines between tasks handled by people and those by AI tools.
- Back mental health and resilience programs to tackle growing mental outlook concerns tied to AI adoption.
- Encourage research into how AI shapes creativity and career development, especially for folks just starting out.
Takeaway for organizations: As AI weaves itself deeper into our routines, it’s going to take a thoughtful blend of automation and genuine, human-centered skills to really make it work. The Gallup findings nudge us—don’t forget creativity, keep learning, and look out for the mental well-being of the people who’ll shape what’s next.
Here is the source article for this story: Half of Gen Z Uses AI, but Their Feelings Are Souring, Study Shows