Gen Z increasingly skeptical of, and angry about, artificial intelligence – WPXI
Gen Z increasingly skeptical of, and angry about, artificial intelligence – WPXI
https://www.wpxi.com/news/gen-z-increasingly/4M7EQLPMDM47VCOMJIQMWO6I5Y/
Publish Date: 2026-05-11 15:00:00
Source Domain: www.wpxi.com
- Growing Skepticism and Anger: Gen Z (ages 14-29) is increasingly skeptical and angry about AI, with 31% feeling angry toward AI, a 9 percentage point increase from the previous year.
- Diminished Hopes: Only 22% of Gen Z feel excited about AI, a decline of 14% from last year. Similarly, only 18% feel hopeful, down by nine points.
- Workforce and Cognitive Concerns: Nearly half of Gen Z respondents believe AI outweighs its benefits in the workforce. Many are concerned about AI’s impact on cognitive abilities and professional opportunities.
- Diminished Belief in AI’s Benefits: Just 46% believe AI will help them learn faster, a drop from 53% the previous year. Similarly, only 37% believe it will help with accurate information finding and idea generation.
- Gender and Racial Disparities: Older Gen Zers, particularly those in K-12, are more likely to be concerned about AI’s impact on learning than adults. Men and Black respondents are less worried than their peers.
- Impact of Recent Issues on AI Distrust: Recent revelations about the harmful nature of social media might link to Gen Z’s growing distrust in AI, along with notable legal verdicts against tech giants.
- Reluctant Acceptance and Need for Guidance: Despite skepticism, 52% acknowledge the necessity of AI knowledge for college or future work. Gen Z desires help in navigating AI, which schools are increasingly providing with more AI policies in place.
- Ongoing Research: Gallup and Walton Family Foundation continue to monitor Gen Z’s evolving attitude towards AI, emphasizing the generation’s awareness of technology’s risks.
