Gen Z’s Concerns and Usage of AI

A recent poll from the Pew Research Center reveals that Gen Z is most concerned about the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), yet this age group is also the most likely to have used the technology. As societies worldwide grapple with AI’s effects, the report highlights that many Americans worry about its possible harm to personal lives and society at large.

Gen Z’s AI Concerns

Gen Z leads in expressing concern about AI’s potential negative impact over the next 20 years. Forty-eight percent believe AI will negatively affect society, while 37 percent foresee negative impacts on themselves. This is compared to 40 percent of the general population concerned about societal impacts and 37 percent about personal impacts.

Only 14 percent of individuals aged 18 to 29 believe AI will benefit society, while 20 percent anticipate positive effects on their personal lives. The Pew Research Center’s report states, “While most adults under 30 use chatbots, they’re the most skeptical about AI’s future impact.”

Lee Rainie from Elon University notes Gen Z’s concern stems from entering a radically changing job market. Though they embrace technology early, they worry about environmental impacts and AI’s reliability. Issues like “cheating wars” in academic settings also contribute to their wariness.

The survey was held from February 17-23, 2026, including 5,119 participants.

Gen Z’s AI Use Compared to Other Generations

Despite their concerns, 66 percent of Gen Z report having used a chatbot, such as ChatGPT or Copilot, up from 55 percent in 2024. This usage surpasses other age groups, with 61 percent of those aged 30 to 49 having used a chatbot, 42 percent of those aged 50 to 64, and 23 percent of those 65 or older.

Notably, those aged 30 to 49 are more likely to use chatbots daily, at 23 percent, compared to 21 percent of people aged 18 to 29. Older age groups show less daily usage, with only 13 percent of those 50 to 64 and 4 percent of those 65 or older using chatbots daily.

College Graduates Revolt Against AI in Ceremonies

Many young Americans demonstrate skepticism towards AI, evident in the reactions to graduation speakers discussing the technology. In May, Google CEO Eric Schmidt was booed for mentioning AI’s pervasive future impacts during a speech. He addressed the audience’s fears, acknowledging concerns about job losses and the growing influence of machines.

Similarly, Scott Borchetta, CEO of Big Machine Records, encountered resistance during a speech at Middle Tennessee State University.

Graduates are facing a challenging job market, the most difficult since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In March 2026, unemployment among recent graduates was 5.6 percent, compared to 4.2 percent among the general workforce, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Data centers, critical to AI infrastructure, are also encountering community pushback, with some regions enacting construction moratoriums. This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.