Gen Z Faces Uncertainty Amid AI Advancements

A recent survey from the Pew Research Center indicates Gen Z is most apprehensive about artificial intelligence (AI), despite being the cohort most engaged with it. This study emerges as societies globally confront the extensive influence of AI, shaping health, education, work, and personal relationships. The poll reveals a considerable portion of Americans express apprehension over AI’s potential adverse effects on personal and societal levels.

Gen Z’s AI Concerns

Within the age group of Generation Z, nearly half (48%) anticipate AI will negatively affect society over the next two decades. Furthermore, 37% believe AI’s impact on their personal lives will be unfavorable. These figures stand against 40% of the general population worried about societal impacts and 37% on personal impacts.

Only 14% of individuals aged 18-29 foresee AI benefiting society, whereas 20% expect positive personal effects. Pew Research highlights that even though most under-30s utilize chatbots, they remain skeptical about AI’s future implications.

Lee Rainie, formerly associated with the Pew Research Center, explained Gen Z’s concerns. “Particularly among college and graduate students, the workforce they’re entering is undergoing radical changes,” he noted. While they may embrace some AI applications, their apprehensions about job market disruptions persist.

Notably, Gen Z’s interaction with AI is described as intricate. They are early adopters and familiar with language models but remain wary of AI’s environmental and reliability impacts. ‘Cheating wars’ on campuses further contribute to their skepticism.

The survey, involving 5,119 participants, took place from February 17-23, 2026.

Gen Z’s AI Use Compared to Other Generations

According to the report, 66% of Gen Z have engaged with chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot, an increase from 55% in 2024. This figure is the highest across all age groups. Among those aged 30-49, 61% have used chatbots, as against 42% of those aged 50-64, and 23% of those aged 65 and older.

Respondents aged 30-49 show higher daily usage at 23%, whereas 21% of those aged 18-29 report using chatbots daily. Daily usage further declines among older cohorts, with only 13% of those aged 50-64, and 4% of those aged 65 and up, reporting such frequency.

College Graduates and AI in Ceremonies

Skepticism is apparent at college commencements, where speakers discussing AI face boos. In May, Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s speech was interrupted by disdain after highlighting AI’s pervasive role. Notably, music executive Scott Borchetta encountered similar reactions at Middle Tennessee State University.

Graduates entering today’s job market face significant challenges, much like the post-COVID-19 period in 2020. Unemployment in this demographic reached 5.6% as of March 2026, while the broader workforce saw a lower rate at 4.2%, data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates.

Communities are increasingly resisting data center constructions, vital for AI infrastructure, with several localities considering moratoriums on new developments. This reticence reflects broader public concerns about the environmental and social consequences of expanding AI technologies.

This article incorporates insights from the Associated Press.