Why Gen Z Is Embracing—and Questioning—AI

When it comes to using AI, Gen Z is ahead of the curve. In fact, a recent report from Gallup revealed that 80% of the “digital native” generation—those born between 1997 and 2012—currently use artificial intelligence tools in their day-to-day lives.

Of course, there’s some variation between individual Gen Z groups—for example, men are more likely to use AI than women—but the majority have embraced the new tech: 72% of Gen Z agree that AI can be leveraged to find information more easily, 66% say it makes their workflow more efficient, and 53% believe that AI tools can be leveraged to learn new things, faster.

Despite this acknowledgement of the potential benefits of AI, Gen Zers aren’t fully sold on an AI-led future. And as the generation that will live and work with AI — and its consequences — longer than any other, their perspectives on this technology reveal important truths about where we're headed.

Gen Z vs. AI

On the whole, Gen Z remains skeptical about AI. In fact, recent research shows that they’re more likely to be anxious about artificial intelligence than excited by it. And with good reason—as more and more companies adopt artificial intelligence tools, many entry-level jobs across the tech industry are becoming obsolete. For Gen Zers, the 13- to 28-year-olds who will soon make up 30% of the US workforce, the news is troubling, threatening to close off previously secure career pathways into tech.

Their concern comes from more than just job insecurities—Gen Z is also worried about how AI is changing their minds.

49% of Gen Z believe that AI will hurt their ability to think carefully about information. It’s a fear shared by many: New research from Girls Who Code polled young women and nonbinary students across California high schools, discovering recurring concerns about AI’s effect on our brains.

“I'm worried about the decreasing creativity or originality in human ideas, and I think sometimes we might get too dependent on AI and not try to use our own efforts or hard work…I think that hinders creativity and original thought” - Kaya, Girls Who Code student 

Unfortunately, that fear holds some truth. A recent study from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University found that using generative AI tools “deprive the user of the routine opportunities to practice their judgement and strengthen their cognitive musculature, leaving them atrophied and unprepared when the exceptions do arise.”

Across the board, experts agree that AI is changing the way our brains work, limiting our critical thinking skills, shrinking our capacity for ‘deep work,’ and decreasing our ability to think and solve problems creatively.

Then there’s the problem of regulation. At the moment, AI tech is advancing far more rapidly than we can adapt to it, leading to a lack of rules and education on safe, smart AI use. Only about half of Gen Z students say their school has clearly defined AI policies. When it comes to the workplace, we see similar trends: 59% of Gen Z adults use AI every month, but only 30% use AI monthly at work—a trend exacerbated by a lack of explicit AI policy, leading to a fear of using artificial intelligence tools for work tasks.

It's evident that Gen Z has concerns about AI and could use more guidance on how to use it to learn and work. So, how do we fix this?

Building a Better Future

The solution may be simpler than you think: instead of letting AI happen to us, we need to make it work for us on our own terms. If we each do our part, we can build a community of coders and tech lovers that can use AI confidently and safely while continuing to drive human-led innovation.

Here’s how we can make this happen:

For Students and Professionals:

• Learn to use AI tools, but maintain your core coding and problem-solving skills.
• Practice "AI-free" coding sessions to keep your foundational skills sharp.
• Focus on creativity and innovation—the things AI can't replicate.

For Educators:

• Develop and maintain clear AI policies for students.
• Educate students on the best way to use AI tools.
• Create a curriculum that focuses on personal creativity and innovation.

For Tech Industry Leaders:

• Listen to Gen Z and let their opinions guide the future of AI development.
• Prioritize tools that enhance human creativity rather than replace it.
• Create transparent guidelines for using AI in the workplace.

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AI may be changing the world—but it’s Gen Z who will shape what that world becomes. As the first generation to grow up with AI, they bring important concerns to the table, and it’s up to educators and industry leaders to listen. By working together, we can ensure AI continues to grow in a way that supports learning, innovation, and opportunity for all.

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Gen Z students are already driving change with AI. Learn more about how they’re using artificial intelligence to make a difference.

¹ Blizzard-Caron, J., Clarke, R., Choi, M., Kohn, L., Ochterski, J., Ryoo, J.J., Stark, L., Voloch, D., Wei, W., (April 24, 2025). Critical perspectives on AI: Young women and non-binary students voices from Girls Who Code. AERA Conference, Denver, CO.