How Gen Z Is Navigating AI in School and Work

The AI Gap: Gen Z Balances Curiosity and Care in a Changing Tech Landscape

New findings from the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup illustrate Gen Z’s nuanced relationship with artificial intelligence. Despite reservations about the technology’s impact on creativity and critical thinking, Gen Zers widely adopt AI and see skills managing it as vital to their future.

A commanding majority of Gen Z say they have used generative AI products (79%), and almost half of them say they do so on a weekly basis.

They acknowledge the benefits of AI—72% say it helps them find information more easily, 66% believe it makes them work faster, and 53% say it enhances their learning speed.

Still, Gen Zers are more likely to say AI tools make them anxious (41%) instead of excited (36%) or hopeful (27%). This blend of excitement and concern signals a clear opportunity for schools and workplaces to support Gen Z in building their skills and confidence to use AI with purpose.

More than half of Gen Z agree that AI has the potential to make their work and learning more efficient, but they are only slightly more likely to say AI will improve these abilities.

Gen Z thinks critically about how AI tools might impact their creativity or ability to find accurate information. 49% believe that AI will challenge their critical thinking skills while 22% believe it will support them. With guidance from schools and employers, Gen Z can strengthen their AI skills, which will likely be invaluable in the workforce.

Schools Could Be a Bridge, Preparing Students for a Tech-Driven Future

Many Gen Z middle and high schoolers believe AI should be allowed for schoolwork and want schools to teach them how to use it. However, momentum around implementation is uneven. Only about half of middle and high schools (49%) have clear AI policies, and many of those restrict AI use. This likely leaves students unsure about how they’re allowed to engage with the technology.

Gen Z adults face similar challenges in the workplace. While 59% of Gen Z adults use AI at least monthly, they are much less likely to use it for their job (30%). Only 39% say AI tools are available and allowed in their workplaces, and 21% are unsure if AI use is permitted.

Despite this, about half of Gen Z believe AI skills will be necessary for their post-graduation plans. As AI’s role continues to grow in schools and workplaces, students want to be prepared and equipped to navigate a tech-driven world responsibly.