Gen Z Uses AI More but Distrusts Its Impact on Learning

A Gallup survey of 1,572 Americans ages 14 to 29, conducted Feb. 24–March 4 and funded by the Walton Family Foundation and GSV Ventures, found rising use of generative AI alongside growing skepticism. The poll reports 51% of respondents use generative AI at least weekly, 80% said relying on AI will make learning more difficult, and 48% of employed Gen Zers said the risks of AI at work outweigh the benefits.

Year-over-year comparisons in the survey show weekly use of generative AI up 4 percentage points. Reported feelings about AI shifted: the share who feel excited fell 14 points to 22%, those who feel hopeful declined 9 points to 18%, and those who feel angry rose 9 points to 31%. Among respondents who use AI daily, reported excitement dropped 18 points from the prior year.

Eight in 10 respondents said that relying on AI to get work done faster will likely make learning harder in the future. Gallup researchers and outside scientists have linked heavy dependence on AI tools to habits such as increased procrastination and declines in memory among students, raising concerns about long-term learning outcomes.

Respondents expressed lower trust in AI for creativity and factual accuracy. Thirty-one percent said AI helps them generate new ideas, down from 42% the previous year. Thirty-seven percent trusted AI to provide accurate information, down from 43%. Other research cited by the survey finds that while generative tools can raise individual output, they may narrow the variety of creative work overall.

Workplace views were more negative. Nearly half of employed Gen Zers, 48%, said the risks of AI at work outweigh its benefits, an 11-point increase from the prior year. Fifteen percent viewed AI as a net positive for their careers. Trust in work assisted by AI stood at 28%, compared with 69% trust in work done only by humans. Fewer than 20% of respondents said they would choose AI over a human for services such as tutoring, financial advice or customer support.

The survey also reported effects on education choices and school policy. Forty-two percent of students pursuing a bachelor’s degree said they have reconsidered their college major because of AI. Nearly three-quarters of K-12 schools reported having AI policies in place, a rise of 23 points in one year. Forty-one percent of students believe most classmates are using AI for schoolwork when it is not allowed.

Zach Hrynowski, senior education researcher at Gallup, noted an increase in skepticism and negative sentiment among Gen Z compared with last year. Stephanie Marken, senior partner at Gallup, stated the data reflects a generation that recognizes AI’s utility but is increasingly concerned about its effects on learning, trust and career readiness.

The survey covered respondents across the United States aged 14 to 29. Students and young workers who spoke with Gallup described seeing AI displace some white-collar tasks and adjusting study and career plans in response. A Rice University freshman, Sydney Gill, expressed concern that fields she is interested in could be replaced within a few years.