Sentiment regarding artificial intelligence (AI) among Generation Z has soured over the past year, particularly in the context of education, according to a survey released Thursday by Gallup in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation and GSV Ventures. The study reveals that a significant portion of Gen Z expresses concern that AI will complicate their learning experiences, with 74% of K-12 students stating that it is “very” or “somewhat” likely that AI designed to expedite tasks will hinder future learning. This sentiment is even more pronounced among Gen Z adults, with 83% sharing similar concerns.
The rising frustration with AI is contrasted by a decline in enthusiasm for the technology. Approximately 31% of respondents indicated feelings of anger towards AI, marking a 9 percentage point increase from the previous year. In contrast, only 22% reported feeling excited about AI, a drop from 36% in the prior year.
As AI adoption appears to be stalling within this demographic, just over half, or 51%, of Gen Z members reported using AI on a weekly basis, reflecting only a modest 4 percentage point increase compared to the previous year. K-12 students are more likely to engage with AI weekly, with 56% reporting regular usage, compared to 48% of Gen Z adults. Despite this, confidence in their ability to use AI after high school seems to be growing among K-12 students. In 2026, 56% asserted that they would be proficient in utilizing AI in their daily lives, up from 44% in 2025.
This increase in confidence may be linked to recent policy changes within schools. The report noted that the percentage of students who acknowledged their school implementing AI guidelines surged from 51% to 74% between 2025 and 2026. Moreover, over half of the K-12 students, or 52%, concurred that understanding AI is essential for attending college.
Despite this apparent increase in awareness, skepticism about AI’s potential benefits for learning is on the rise. Less than half of all respondents, specifically 46%, agreed that AI tools could facilitate faster learning, which is a decrease from 53% the prior year. Concerns regarding the impact of AI in professional settings also contribute to this negative sentiment, with nearly half, 48%, stating that the risks posed by AI outweigh its benefits in the workplace. This reflects a noticeable increase from 37% in the previous year.
Stephanie Marken, a senior partner at Gallup, remarked that while Gen Z is not outright rejecting AI, they are critically reassessing its role in their lives. “What we’re seeing in the data is a generation that recognizes AI’s utility but is increasingly concerned about its long-term impact on learning, trust, and career readiness,” she stated. This growing skepticism underscores the need for more thoughtful integration of AI tools in both educational environments and workplaces.
This survey of over 1,500 Gen Z individuals, ages 14 to 29, was conducted between late February and early March to gauge their perspectives on AI. The findings come at a time when AI companies are making significant investments in higher education. Notably, Google announced plans last year to invest $1 billion in providing AI tools and training to colleges and nonprofit organizations, with over 200 institutions, including prominent universities like the University of Pennsylvania and Texas A&M University, already participating.
Other large educational institutions, such as Arizona State University and California State University, have forged partnerships with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, to grant students and staff access to AI tools. However, concerns about AI’s role in higher education are burgeoning. At Cal State, faculty members have urged the system’s chancellor not to renew a $17 million contract with OpenAI set to expire in June. A petition opposing the contract has garnered over 3,400 signatures, with faculty arguing that the ChatGPT Edu version is functionally similar to the free version, fails to provide accurate answers, and ultimately undermines effective teaching and learning.
The shifting sentiment toward AI among Generation Z and the growing scrutiny of its application in educational settings highlight the complexities of integrating advanced technologies into learning environments. As the conversation around AI evolves, it will be crucial to address the concerns of this generation to foster a more supportive and beneficial relationship with emerging technologies.
See also
Andrew Ng Advocates for Coding Skills Amid AI Evolution in Tech
AI’s Growing Influence in Higher Education: Balancing Innovation and Critical Thinking
AI in English Language Education: 6 Principles for Ethical Use and Human-Centered Solutions
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