Generation Zconsidered for years as the closest to technology, is beginning to show clear signs of wear and tear in the face of artificial intelligence (AI). This is revealed by a new poll published by Gallup, in collaboration with the Walton Family Foundation and GSV Ventures, which documents a change in mood: less enthusiasm and more worry.
According to the study, 51% of young people use AI tools at least once a week. However, this growth has slowed noticeably, with just an increase of four percentage points in the last year. Even more revealing is the emotional turn: enthusiasm fell 14 points and hope decreased nine points.
Anger towards AI is growing
Currently, 31% of those surveyed say they feel upset with this technologycompared to 22% registered the previous year. Furthermore, more than four in ten young people say they feel anxious for the direction it is taking.
“The message is clear: Gen Z It is not rejecting AI, but it is rethinking its place in their lives,” explained Stephanie Marken, senior partner at Gallup. “They recognize its usefulness, but there is growing concern about its impact on learning, confidence and professional development.”
One of the main sources of concern is the work environment. Almost half of young people (Forty eight%) consider that The risks of AI outweigh its benefits at workan increase of 11 points compared to the previous year. Although 56% admit that these tools help them work faster, that benefit comes with a perceived cost.
Eight in ten young people believe that depending on AI to perform tasks could hinder long-term learning. This perception has also impacted confidence in productivity: the belief that AI improves efficiency has fallen ten points since 2025.
In the educational field, the situation is equivalent
Access to AI tools and implementation of school policies have grown rapidly. Currently, 74% of elementary and middle school students report that their schools already have rules on the use of AI, an increase of 23 points in one year.
But this greater regulation has not reduced doubts. On the contrary, a perception of academic dishonesty has emerged: 41% of students believe that the majority of their classmates use AI in schoolwork even when it is prohibited.
“Gen Z is sending us a strong signal that we cannot ignore,” warned Romy Drucker, educational program director at the Walton Family Foundation. “It is essential to adapt so that students feel motivated and confident in a world with AI.”
Another relevant finding is the preference for human interaction. Less than 20% of young people would choose AI-powered services in areas such as tutoring, financial advice or customer service. Despite being a digital generation, the majority still value human contact over automation.
The survey, conducted between February and March 2026 of more than 1,500 young people in the United States, suggests that The relationship between Gen Z and artificial intelligence is entering a new stage: more critical, more conscious and, above all, more demanding.
Keep reading:
- Generation Z in the US is struggling to find work after college: why
- How does Generation Z feel like it is thriving? There are differences between young people and adults
