Trending Now - Gen Z Pushes Back Against AI Amid Job Security Concerns

WHO:

Gallup - Conducted a survey of over 1,500 Gen Z students and adults ages 14 to 29.

Google - Announced a $1 billion investment to provide AI tools and training to colleges and nonprofits.

OpenAI - Maker of ChatGPT, has struck deals with large universities to provide access to its tools.

Stephanie Marken - Senior partner at Gallup, provided insights on Gen Z's views on AI.

WHAT:

Newsweek - Some Gen Z workers are intentionally not using AI tools at work, even when required, due to fears of job loss.

Higher Ed Dive - Gallup's survey found that 31% of Gen Z respondents feel angry about AI, an increase of 9 percentage points from 2025, while only 22% feel excited about it, down from 36% in 2025.

Higher Ed Dive - 74% of K-12 students believe AI will make learning more difficult, with 83% of Gen Z adults sharing that view.

Higher Ed Dive - 48% of respondents believe the risks of AI in the workplace outweigh the benefits, up from 37% in 2025.

Higher Ed Dive - 52% of Gen Z K-12 students agreed that they will need to know how to use AI if they attend college.

Higher Ed Dive - Stephanie Marken stated, “Gen Z isn’t rejecting AI outright, but they are reassessing its role in their lives. What we’re seeing in the data is a generation that recognizes AI’s utility but is increasingly concerned about its long-term impact on learning, trust and career readiness."

Gallup - Found that 31% of Gen Z respondents feel angry about AI, an increase of 9 percentage points from 2025.

Gallup - Reported that only 22% of Gen Z feels excited about AI, down from 36% in 2025.

Gallup - 74% of K-12 students believe AI will make learning more difficult, with 83% of Gen Z adults sharing that view.

Gallup - 51% of Gen Z members use AI each week, a 4 percentage point increase from 2025.

Gallup - 46% of respondents agreed that AI tools can help them learn faster, down from 53% in 2025.

Gallup - 48% of respondents believe the risks of AI in the workplace outweigh the benefits, up from 37% in 2025.

Cal State faculty - Urged the system’s chancellor not to renew a $17 million contract with OpenAI.

WHERE:

Gallup - Survey conducted among Gen Z students and adults in the United States.

California State University - Faculty petitioning against the renewal of the contract with OpenAI.

WHEN:

Gallup - Survey conducted between late February and early March 2026.

Cal State - Contract with OpenAI set to expire at the end of June 2026.

As of Thursday, April 7th, 2026, a petition against the contract had garnered over 3,400 signatures.

WHY:

Higher Ed Dive - Growing skepticism among Gen Z about AI's role in education and the workplace is attributed to concerns about its long-term impact.

Gallup - Growing negative sentiment among Gen Z towards AI is attributed to concerns about its impact on learning and job security.

Cal State faculty - Argue that ChatGPT Edu does not provide accurate answers and harms teaching and learning.

HOW:

Higher Ed Dive - Gallup conducted a survey in collaboration with the Walton Family Foundation and GSV Ventures to assess Gen Z's views on AI.

Gallup - Conducted a survey to assess Gen Z's views on AI.

Google - Engaged over 200 colleges in its AI program, including Ivy League institutions and large public systems.

(UPDATED April 11, 2026 23:05 UTC)

A recent Gallup survey, conducted in collaboration with the Walton Family Foundation and GSV Ventures, reveals that 31% of Gen Z respondents feel angry about AI, marking a significant increase from 2025, while only 22% express excitement about the technology. Additionally, 74% of K-12 students and 83% of Gen Z adults believe that AI will complicate learning, and nearly half of those surveyed feel the risks of AI in the workplace outweigh its benefits, a rise from 37% last year. Some Gen Z workers are even choosing not to use AI tools at work, driven by fears of job loss.

(UPDATED April 11, 2026 15:07 UTC)

A recent survey by Higher Ed Dive reveals that 52% of Gen Z K-12 students believe they will need to know how to use AI if they attend college. Stephanie Marken noted that while this generation isn't outright rejecting AI, they are critically reassessing its role in their lives, recognizing its utility but expressing concerns about its long-term effects on learning, trust, and career readiness. This growing skepticism among Gen Z about AI's role in education and the workplace stems from their worries about its lasting impact.

(UPDATED April 11, 2026 09:10 UTC)

A recent Gallup survey of over 1,500 Gen Z students and adults in the United States revealed a growing negative sentiment towards AI, with 31% expressing anger about the technology, a notable increase from 2025. Meanwhile, Google announced a $1 billion investment to provide AI tools and training to colleges and nonprofits, while OpenAI has struck deals with large universities to offer access to its tools. In California, faculty at California State University are petitioning against a $17 million contract with OpenAI, citing concerns that ChatGPT Edu does not provide accurate answers and could harm teaching and learning.