In a survey published last week by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation, 79% of Gen Z, individuals ages 13 through 28, have used generative AI. 47% of Gen Z use generative AI on a weekly basis. As critical thinkers, 49% of Gen Z are “concerned that artificial intelligence will harm their ability to think carefully about information.” Some Gen Z are teens in school and some are in the workforce, so paying attention to how that impacts the survey results is important.
For Gen Z young adults in the workforce:
- 53% say generative AI makes them feel anxious
- 36% say the risks of artificial intelligence in the workplace outweigh its benefits
For Gen Z teens in school:
- 21% say generative AI makes them feel anxious
- 49% say their school has no policy regarding AI use, or they are unsure if one exists.
The vast majority of Gen Z say they would prefer human doctors, tutors, and financial advisors over AI, meaning life and career skills for our human students are still at the forefront. “When high schools provide opportunities to build and practice life and career skills Gen Z is all in. The more we can do to realize their vision for K-12 education, the better our system will be,” says Romy Drucker, Education Program Director, Walton Family Foundation.