US Gen Z Cools on Generative AI Amid Fears for Jobs and Creativity

Generative AI rapidly spread through schools and workplaces after ChatGPT gained widespread adoption. US Gen Zers are frequent users, but they also face the prospect that automation could displace entry-level jobs. Their shifting attitudes have implications for corporate talent development, school AI policies and young people’s ability to sustain creativity and critical-thinking skills.

Gallup, the Walton Family Foundation and GSV Ventures released the survey on April 9, 2026. It polled 1,572 Americans aged 14 to 29 from February 24 to March 4. While 51% use generative AI at least weekly, the share who feel hopeful about it fell to 18% from 27%. Among employed respondents, 48% said the risks outweigh the benefits, while 42% said AI would impair the ability to think carefully.