~ Jon James
Artificial intelligence is becoming a tougher sell to Gen Z, with growing concerns about its impact on jobs, education, and society.
Several commencement speakers promoting AI this spring were met with boos from graduates, reflecting a shift in attitudes among young adults.
A new Gallup poll of more than 1,500 Gen Z respondents found 42% say AI makes them anxious, while excitement about the technology dropped 14 percentage points from last year. Feelings of hope also declined, while the share of respondents who said they were angry about AI rose to 31%.
Gallup researcher Zach Hrynowski said the results show a significant change, with many young people urging a slower approach to adopting AI.
Psychologist Dr. Julie Lee says many Gen Zers feel AI is being forced into their lives without enough discussion about its consequences, and they want more empathy from educators and leaders.
Students at MIT echoed those mixed emotions. Some see AI’s potential to advance fields like medicine and scientific research, while others worry it will weaken critical thinking or allow companies to prioritize profits over public well-being.
Although opinions remain divided, one thing is clear: AI is here to stay. Whether Gen Z ultimately embraces or resists the technology remains an open question.
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