Young Americans’ Attitudes Towards AI Deteriorate, Despite Frequent Use
According to a recent Gallup poll, young Americans are becoming more skeptical of AI technology, even though a significant portion regularly engages with it.
A report by Axios highlights a notable shift in perceptions among Generation Z, despite their prevalent use of generative AI. This research stems from a collaboration between Gallup, the Walton Family Foundation, and the venture capital firm GSV Ventures focused on education technology.
The survey, which took place between February and March and included over 1,500 participants aged 14 to 29, reveals that more than half of Gen Z in the U.S. consistently utilizes generative AI. However, their attitude towards this technology has taken a significant turn for the worse in the past year.
Excitement about AI among young respondents has plummeted, dropping from 27% last year to just 18% this time around. Interestingly, nearly one-third of those surveyed expressed feelings of anger towards AI.
These insights suggest that worries about artificial intelligence are not just confined to older generations; they’re becoming increasingly relevant to younger people as they transition into the workforce and forge their professional identities.
Zach Hlinowski, a senior education researcher at Gallup, remarked on the noticeable change in Gen Z’s outlook. “This demographic has shifted from a lukewarm view to a more skeptical and negative stance,” he noted.
Hlinowski seemed taken aback by how quickly these views have evolved. While many young people recognize the potential efficiency gains from using AI in education and work, concerns about its impact on fundamental cognitive skills linger.
Specifically, there’s a growing worry about how AI might hinder their creative and critical thinking abilities. This highlights an awareness among Gen Z of the potential drawbacks of prioritizing convenience over the development of essential intellectual skills.
Skepticism seems especially strong among those who are already employed. About half of working respondents indicated they believe the risks associated with AI outweigh its advantages in their job environments—an 11-point increase from the previous year.
Even more striking, only 15% of these young workers feel that AI will ultimately benefit their careers. This low figure suggests significant anxiety over how technology is integrated into work settings, alongside concerns about job security and career prospects.
The findings illustrate a generation that uses AI tools regularly—perhaps out of necessity or societal pressure—while harboring doubts about the long-term effects of this technology. This disconnect between usage and sentiment reflects broader societal concerns regarding AI. Young people seem to be wrestling with questions related to reliability, skill acquisition, and the future of work in a world increasingly influenced by automation.
