Are Gen Z using AI as much as we think they are?

In today's world, AI is everywhere: it’s become an unavoidable topic and a key part of our day-to-day existence.

From the TikTok algorithm, to Netflix suggestions, dating apps and personalized playlists, AI has integrated into our lives quicker than you can say “Hey Siri!”.

But what about when it comes to Gen Z, the most technologically advanced generation yet? Are they using AI as much as we think?

Well, the first thing to note is that Gen Z grew up with smartphones and social media: so they're pretty familiar with AI. They’ll have come of age seeing it in action, probably interacting with it unconsciously through things like their curated content feeds.

This is what’s known as passive AI – it’s subtle.

Active AI is probably what you think of when you think of AI. It’s the ChatGPTs, Bards and virtual influencers of the world. Generative AI hit the mainstream in 2022, and we’re now seeing human-to-robot interactions evolve at a rapid pace.

It’s becoming harder to tell when something has been written by a human; or whether it's the work of artificial intelligence 

This is a tricky topic – and rightly so. Many are fearful for the future of human connections. Others are worried about job prospects. Some are concerned they won’t be able to keep up in a world changing so quickly. 

Oliver Yonchev, CEO of Flight Story, an AI-first agency, shares that these fears shouldn’t hold weight. “It’s important to zoom out for a second, and look at why we innovate”, he notes. He presses that generative AI will write a “new era” for marketers – and for young people, they’re often the ones who “show us the path forward”.

As part of our 2024 Youth Trends Report, we surveyed 2,000 Gen Zers in the US. We asked them what they thought the biggest trend of 2024 would be.

One answer came out on top: AI.

Let’s take a look at some of the data...

AI and human connections

34% of Gen Z believe that AI is a threat to human connections

AI & productivity

25% believe that AI will make them more productive

AI & creativity

40% of Gen Z believe that AI is a threat to creativity

AI & the workforce

21% of Gen Z are already using AI to secure their future jobs

Keep an eye out for our 2024 Youth Trends Report, where we’ll dive into the future of AI in an exclusive, three-part chapter with data from over 4,000 Gen Zers in the UK and US.