Gen Z Is Most Worried About Impacts of AI. They Still Use It the Most
A Pew Research Center poll reveals Gen Z is the most concerned about AI’s negative societal and personal impacts, with 48% fearing harm to society and 37% to themselves, despite being the age group most likely to use chatbots like ChatGPT. The survey, conducted in February 2026, also shows daily chatbot use is highest among those aged 30–49, while younger users exhibit skepticism reflected in protests against AI mentions at college graduations.
A new Pew Research Center poll released Wednesday highlights a paradox within Generation Z: they are the most worried about artificial intelligence but also the most likely to use it. The survey, conducted from February 17–23, 2026, among 5,119 panelists, found 48% of Gen Z (ages 18–29) believe AI will have a negative impact on society over the next 20 years, compared to 40% of the overall U.S. population. Similarly, 37% of Gen Z fears personal harm from AI, matching the national average but surpassing other age groups in skepticism. Despite their concerns, 66% of Gen Z has used chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot—up from 55% in 2024—making them the most active adopters. Daily usage is slightly lower (21%) than among those aged 30–49 (23%), though older generations lag significantly, with only 13% of 50–64-year-olds and 4% of those 65+ using chatbots daily. The data underscores Gen Z’s dual relationship with AI: early adoption paired with deep reservations about its long-term effects. The report cites broader anxieties among young adults, including job market disruptions and AI’s role in academic integrity debates. Lee Rainie, former Pew Research Center director, noted Gen Z’s apprehension stems from entering a workforce reshaped by AI, even as they embrace its tools. The survey also reflects growing public pushback, exemplified by boos at college graduations when AI was mentioned, such as during Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s commencement speech in May. Schmidt acknowledged the backlash, stating AI would transform every profession and relationship, while acknowledging fears of job loss and automation. The trend signals a generational divide: younger users engage with AI daily but question its ethical and practical implications more sharply than older counterparts. Pew’s findings suggest AI’s societal impact remains a contentious issue, particularly for those most directly affected by its evolution.
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