Gen Z Shows Steady AI Use, Rising Skepticism
Generation Z continues to use artificial intelligence at roughly the same rate as last year, with about **51%** reporting daily or weekly use, but their enthusiasm is cooling. A new survey run by **Gallup** with partners **Walton Family Foundation** and **GSV Ventures** finds excitement and hopefulness for AI have dropped while anger and anxiety have grown. Many Gen Zers still see practical benefits for learning and work, yet concerns about AI’s effects on thinking, creativity, and job prospects are increasing. Usage remains plateaued rather than declining, signalling pragmatic acceptance rather than unabated optimism.
What happened: Gallup, working with the Walton Family Foundation and GSV Ventures, surveyed 1,572 people aged 14–29 using the Gallup Panel in late February–early March 2026 and found that Gen Z’s AI adoption is steady even as sentiment cools. Overall reported use is roughly 51% weekly or daily (daily 22%, weekly 29%), but emotional responses shifted markedly: excitement fell from 36% to 22%, hopefulness dropped from 27% to 18%, and anger rose from 22% to 31%.
Technical details: The poll captures adoption, frequency, perceived benefits, and emotional responses rather than technical performance metrics. Key numeric findings practitioners should note: - 51% of Gen Z use AI daily or weekly; daily users are 22% of the sample. - Agreement that AI
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