Gen Z and AI: Insights Into Tomorrow’s Leaders of Innovation

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes various industries and sectors, its relationship with Gen Z offers intriguing insights into the future of both technology and society. A recently published nationally representative study, surveying over 6,000 teens across the country, has uncovered a complex, and still evolving connection between this generation and AI.

The findings are as much about their current habits and expectations as they are about the future they are poised to lead.

Gen Z: They Expect More

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has never known a world without the internet or smart technology. However, it’s not simply the existence of these technologies that define their worldview — it’s the expectation of what technology should be able to do.

More than ever, they see AI as a critical tool for simplifying everyday tasks, providing personalized experiences, and enhancing the digital landscape.

Yet, this study reveals that their relationship with AI is not without nuance. They engage critically with technology, balancing enthusiasm with caution as they navigate the ever-growing presence of AI in their lives.

AI for Productivity and Creativity

Among the more surprising findings is the extent to which Gen Z uses AI not only for consumption but also for creation. While AI-powered platforms like social media are integral to their daily lives, teens are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance productivity, from automating tasks to creating original content.

This shift from passive use to active creation marks a significant generational pivot, where AI is seen as a partner in innovation rather than just a tool for entertainment.

Trust and Ethical Concerns

However, this generation also carries a degree of skepticism. As a generation, they are acutely aware of the privacy risks and ethical concerns associated with AI. From data security to algorithmic bias, Gen Z is vocal about the need for transparency and responsibility in AI development.

Their demand for ethical standards will likely play a significant role in shaping future AI policies and corporate practices.

Shaping the Future with AI

Gen Z’s understanding and use of AI reflect a broader cultural shift: they are not waiting for AI to change their world — they are actively shaping what that world will look like. Their expectations, both of the technology and of the companies that create it, indicate a future in which AI will be more integrated, ethical, and inclusive.

They will not only be the consumers of tomorrow’s AI-driven products but also the developers, regulators, and policymakers responsible for steering its evolution.

The study highlights a generation poised to use AI to solve real-world problems, from climate change to social justice. For educators, business leaders, and policymakers, the insights provide a roadmap for aligning AI with the values of a digitally native and globally aware generation.

As we continue to explore the potential of AI, it is clear that Gen Z is more than just a passive participant in this evolution.

Their nuanced understanding of and relationship with AI suggests that the future will be marked not only by technological advancement but also by a commitment to ensuring that this progress aligns with the values of equity, transparency, and responsibility.

The future of AI is not just being built for them — it is being built by them.

Jody is a long-time contributor to educational technology and writes about AI, Generation Alpha, and other topics. You can follow her work at jodybritten.com.