Gen Z uses AI heavily but shows low approval and high risk concern
Updated
Updated · Kotaku · May 3
Gen Z uses AI heavily but shows low approval and high risk concern
10 articles · Updated · Kotaku · May 3
Only 18% say they feel hopeful about AI’s future, while nearly 50% say its risks outweigh its rewards, even though 56% report using it.
The gap suggests young users see AI as necessary for school and work while remaining highly sceptical of errors, ethical problems and its effects on learning and jobs.
The report says Gen Z faces pressure from employers, schools and institutions embracing AI, even as online ridicule and wider backlash deepen doubts about the technology’s real value.
Will Gen Z’s AI distrust reshape technology, or will convenience ultimately win?
Is Gen Z's convenient AI use permanently rewiring their brains for the worse?
As AI erases junior roles, are we creating a future without experienced leaders?
Why 51% of Gen Z Use AI Weekly but Only 22% Are Excited: Navigating Necessity and Distrust
Overview
In early 2026, Generation Z remains the leading users of AI, with over half using AI tools weekly, driven by a strong belief that AI is essential for education and career success. However, AI adoption growth has slowed due to rising skepticism and distrust, fueled by fears of cognitive decline, job displacement, and privacy concerns. Despite frequent use, positive feelings toward AI have dropped sharply, while anger and anxiety have increased. This paradox of high usage amid growing distrust is worsened by inconsistent policies in schools and workplaces, leaving Gen Z feeling unprotected. Their pragmatic reliance on AI, combined with deep concerns, is pushing them to demand better policies and more human-centered AI design for the future.