Marchon Partners Blog Generation Z Perspective on AI

The Gen Z perspective on AI is a complex one. Unlike their older counterparts, the integration of technology into everyday life was a seamless one, one that very few probably even remember. While older generations could feel like the introduction of AI into everyday life is a scene out of The Matrix, Generation Z has experienced a new innovation of technology in one way or another at every stage of life. Computers, TVs, SmartBoards, Bluetooth products, etc. Gen Z’s interaction with AI is one with clear adoption of the technology; albeit with anxious feelings over the potential impact of AI on entry-level jobs.

According to an article and polling done by the Walton Family Foundation, over 47% of Generation Z use AI on a weekly basis, but I would argue that the number is much higher. With the complete absorption of AI into the academic sphere, most students use AI on a regular basis, so questions as simple as “How should I start a paper on Plato’s Republic?” are being asked to AI software even though a Google search would be just as effective in answering the question.

With 47% of Gen Z that are using AI on a weekly basis, 41% of them feel anxious about the future use of AI in the workplace. Generation Z, as reported in the same article also expresses concerns about the cognitive impact AI could have on mental processes such as the ability to focus and reading comprehension.

In another study done by EMarketer, they estimated that 54% of Generation Z prefers creative work to be done without the use of AI, making some use of AI acceptable, but not others. 

But with the rise of AI-generated creative content on apps like X, Tiktok, and Instagram, it’s becoming virtually impossible to avoid AI generated creative content (and in some instances, difficult to even tell if something is AI generated).

Thoughts of Generation Z on AI:

1. Artificial Intelligence is an evitable, unstopping force that will be integrated into professional and academic sectors no matter what anyone does. So, while AI is a fact of technological innovation that must be accepted in the evolving professional world, Gen Z might as well become as good at using AI as possible. Many companies hiring Generation Z will have their own AI chatbots and use AI on a regular basis, so the practice of AI beforehand only makes sense.
2. AI replacing Generation Z in entry level jobs is a cause of concern. Gen Z worries that employers won’t want to hire to teach someone to do the job when AI can be programmed to do the job cheaper and faster. An article by Fortune reports that one in five Gen Zers is “very concerned” that AI will take their job in the next two years in all areas of the professional world - finance to publishing, to marketing and the back office. Why hire (pre-training) Daniel LaRusso when you have Mr. Miyagi in your back pocket?
3. The lack of companies that have clear guidelines in how, or when to use Artificial Intelligence is a cause of apprehension for many Gen Zers starting or looking for jobs. From the article done by the Walton Family Foundation, over half reported that their places of work do not have a written policy covering the use and ethics of AI in their work. Lack of clear boundaries and rules will always be a slippery slope for new hires; but in this case, the stakes are even higher, for Gen Z, this could mean your entire career.

What better way to see how Gen Z feels about AI than to ask Gen Z students directly? 

This is what some of them had to say:

“AI is helpful in eliminating busy work and allows you to dive deeper into topics of genuine interest” is what one student had to say when asked about the growing presence of AI in the workplace. However, other students expressed worry over the impact of AI in education, that students have “lost the ability to do basic critical thinking skills” and wished “AI couldn’t be used until entering the workforce.” Questions regarding AI receive a range of opinions and answers from Generation Z, often differing because of future occupations or the way AI interacts with their concentration in education.

But this issue of AI isn’t going away for Generation Z, and so, our next blog will discuss advice for Generation Z entering a workforce with seemingly no AI guardrails.

Sources:

“Gen Z Is Using AI — But Reports Gaps in School and Workplace Support.” Walton Family Foundation, 24 Apr. 2025, https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/about-us/newsroom/gen-z-is-using-ai-but-reports-gaps-in-school-and-workplace-support

“Nearly One in 5 Gen Zers Is ‘Very Concerned’ That AI Will ….” Fortune, 24 Sept. 2025, https://fortune.com/2025/09/24/gen-z-fear-ai-jobs-hiring-entry-level-very-concerned/

Haiss, Lisa. “Gen Z Embraces AI—but They Don’t Trust It to Create or Lead.” eMarketer, 29 Sept. 2025, https://www.emarketer.com/content/gen-z-embraces-ai-but-dont-trust-creation-lead