Gen Z's AI Adoption Steady, but Skepticism Climbs A new survey reveals that while Gen Zers in the U.S. continue to use generative artificial intelligence at a steady rate, their overall sentiment toward the technology has become more negative over the past year. Despite 51% of 14- to 29-year-olds reporting weekly AI use, anger toward the technology has risen, while excitement and hopefulness have declined. Even daily users, who typically hold more favorable views, have not seen an increase in positivity. The findings come from a collaboration between the Walton Family Foundation, GSV Ventures, and Gallup, based on a survey of 1,572 Gen Zers conducted between February 24 and March 4, 2026. Gen Z, defined as those born between 1997 and 2012 and currently aged 14 to 29, remains skeptical about AI’s ability to enhance creativity or critical thinking. The majority believe the technology may come at a cost, particularly to learning. This skepticism is echoed by employed Gen Zers, who are more likely to view the risks of AI in the workplace as outweighing its benefits. Trust in AI-assisted work is lower than in human-only output, with 69% of Gen Z workers expressing greater confidence in work completed without AI. The survey also highlights a growing divide between frequent AI users and nonusers. Among daily users, 69% report feeling curious about AI, compared to just 28% of nonusers. However, even daily users have seen a decline in positive emotions. Excitement about AI has dropped by 18 percentage points since 2025, and hopefulness has fallen by 11 points. Anxiety and anger about AI remain relatively stable, with 42% of Gen Zers expressing anxiety and 31% reporting anger. Curiosity, a newly added emotion in this year’s survey, is now the most common sentiment, felt by 49% of respondents.#gen_z #walton_family_foundation #gsv_ventures #gallup #ai_adoption
Gen Z and AI Stuck in a Toxic Relationship: 'Increasingly Skeptical, Increasingly Negative' Generation Z is growing more wary of artificial intelligence, with only 18% feeling hopeful about the technology, according to recent research. Concerns over creativity, job security, and environmental impact are driving this shift in attitudes, even as the generation continues to use AI tools extensively. The New York Times reports that this growing skepticism reflects a broader unease about the long-term consequences of AI integration into daily life. A survey conducted by Gallup, the Walton Family Foundation, and GSV Ventures highlights the trend. While more than half of Gen Z respondents say they use AI regularly, their optimism about the technology has declined significantly. Last year, the hopeful percentage was higher, but this year, only 18% express optimism. Nearly one-third of respondents reported feeling anger toward AI, citing fears that it could undermine their ability to think independently or eliminate entry-level job opportunities. Zach Hrynowski, a senior education researcher for Gallup, noted that Gen Zers have become "increasingly skeptical, increasingly negative" in their views of AI. He emphasized that this shift is not merely a temporary fluctuation but a growing pattern. "In most of these cases, Gen Zers have become increasingly skeptical, increasingly negative — from a place where even last year, they weren't particularly positive about it," Hrynowski said. The concerns are rooted in practical and philosophical anxieties. Many Gen Z respondents worry that AI could replace roles that are currently considered entry-level, such as customer service or data entry. Others fear that reliance on AI tools might erode their own problem-solving skills.#artificial_intelligence #gen_z #walton_family_foundation #gsv_ventures #gallup
Gen Z's Growing Anger Toward AI as Hype Fades A recent report reveals a significant shift in Gen Z’s attitude toward artificial intelligence, with the generation that has grown up immersed in digital technology now expressing more frustration than enthusiasm about the technology. According to a survey conducted by the Walton Family Foundation, GSV Ventures, and Gallup, the proportion of Gen Z respondents who feel excited about AI has dropped sharply, while anger has risen. This change reflects a growing skepticism about AI’s role in education, employment, and personal development, despite its increasing integration into workplaces and academic settings. The survey, which analyzed data from 1,572 individuals aged 14 to 29 across all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., highlights a stark contrast between Gen Z’s emotional response to AI and its practical adoption. Last year, 36% of respondents expressed excitement about AI, but this figure has plummeted to 22% in 2026. Simultaneously, the percentage of Gen Zers who feel angry about AI has increased from 22% to 31%, signaling a deepening sense of disillusionment. Gallup Senior Education Researcher Zach Hrynowski attributes this shift to concerns about AI’s impact on entry-level job opportunities, particularly for younger workers who may feel their career prospects are being undermined by automation. Hrynowski notes that the oldest members of Gen Z, who are now entering the workforce, are the most vocal about their frustrations. He explains that this generation, having grown up as digital natives, is more acutely aware of AI’s pervasive influence compared to older professionals who may view the technology as a tool rather than a threat. “Gen Z is more aware of the potential risks and disruptions AI could bring to their future,” he says.#gen_z #walton_family_foundation #gsv_ventures #gallup #zach_hrynowski
