Young adults are reporting stronger negative feelings about artificial intelligence, and even frequent users say they are less excited about AI tools than they were a year ago, according to a Gallup survey released April 9.
The survey — titled “The AI Paradox: More Exposure, Less Confidence Among Gen Z” — polled more than 1,500 14- to 29‑year‑olds. It found that AI use among this age group is unchanged from 2025, with over half of respondents reporting at least weekly AI use. While work and educational organizations expanded access to AI by 50%, adoption by younger people is not growing, the survey reports.
Almost half of respondents said that AI risks outweigh the benefits, but more than half of the high school students said they believe they will need to know how to use AI in their post-secondary education. Gen Z reported more negative emotions about using AI. Respondents said they feel more anger and less excitement than last year. Nearly half reported that they are curious about it.
Much of the skepticism stems from concerns about AI’s impact on core cognitive and professional skills, the survey found. Gen Z remains unconvinced that AI enhances creativity, critical thinking or even efficiency, and the majority believe that AI-driven efficiency may come at a cost, particularly to learning.
The reported mixed feelings are closely tied to use frequency. Young people who use AI less frequently reported less curiosity and more anxiety about the tools than people who use them more often. But even those who view AI more positively report feeling less excited and hopeful than last year.