It turns out Generation Z is becoming less inclined to believe that artificial intelligence improves productivity.
According to a Gallup and Walton Family Foundation survey, Gen Z believes using AI tools will likely make it more difficult for them to learn in the future and that the tool won’t help enhance their creativity or research skills.
The survey “The Voices of Gen Z: The AI Paradox” was conducted on Feb. 24-March 4, 2026, from a sample of 1,572 respondents ages 14 to 29.
The poll shows excitement about artificial intelligence has dropped 14 percentage points to 22%, hopefulness has fallen 9 points to 18%, and anger has risen 9 points to 31% compared to 2025.
Employed people in Gen Z are 3 times more likely to believe the risks of AI in the workforce outweigh the benefits (48%), while 15% surveyed say the reverse.
About half (51%) of 14- to 29-year-olds say they use AI daily, weekly or monthly, with only 19% saying they don’t use AI at all.
Most believe they will be adequately prepared to use and implement AI in the future, but many are hesitant to totally trust its accuracy or efficiency in assisting them at school or work.
Despite this, curiosity about the nature of AI is the primary emotion reported by this generation.
