Concern about AI is increasing among Gen-Z in America. In a Pew Research Center survey, 55% of youth aged 18 to 29 expressed more concern than enthusiasm. Impact on jobs and uncertainty about the future are the main reasons for this.
AI: Amidst the rapidly increasing use of Artificial Intelligence, America's youth seem worried about its future. In a recent survey by Pew Research Center, 55% of people aged 18 to 29 expressed more concern than enthusiasm about AI. The biggest concern of the youth is about the possible impact on job opportunities, while the use of AI chatbots is also increasing rapidly in this age group.
Concern about AI increases among Gen-Z
Tech companies may be emphasizing on its potential benefits and new possibilities regarding Artificial Intelligence, but the picture appears to be different among the youth of America. In a recent survey by Pew Research Center, 55 percent of people aged 18 to 29 said that they are more worried than excited about AI.
This figure indicates increasing concern in the last few years. In 2021, 31 percent of the youth expressed concern about AI, while in 2024 this figure reached 39 percent. At the same time, only 11 percent of the youth in the survey said that they are more excited than worried about AI.
The special thing is that Gen-Z is included in those age groups which are using AI chatbots and other AI tools on a large scale. That is, among the youth whose presence of AI is increasing in their everyday studies, work and digital activities, apprehension about its possible effects is also increasing.
Fear of losing job is the biggest worry
A major reason for the youth's concern about AI is the future of employment. In a Pew Research Center survey, 73 percent of people under the age of 30 said they think the number of jobs may decrease due to AI in the next 20 years.
In 2024, the number of youth having the same opinion was 61 percent. That means there has been a significant increase in this apprehension in the span of one year. Among the total youth of America, 71 percent people believe that AI can reduce the number of jobs in the coming years.
The rapid use of AI in areas ranging from automation and content creation to data analysis and customer service has further intensified the debate over employment. This concern is also important for the youth because their career and professional life is still in the initial stage.
Use of AI increased, but trust decreased
An interesting contradiction has also emerged between the growing concern about AI and its increasing use. Young people are using AI chatbots for studying, getting information, writing and many other daily tasks, but at the same time they are also raising questions about its long-term impact.
Anxiety is not limited to job only. There is also a growing question among the youth about how AI will affect their career, education and future opportunities. As fast as AI is entering new areas, the discussion on the risks and limitations associated with it is also increasing.
Change is also visible in the mood of the youth
The report also reveals that the impact of changing perception about AI is visible in the broader mood of the youth. According to Gallup data, after 2025, Gen-Z's enthusiasm declined by 14 points, while anger increased by 9 points.
Data from the European Commission, International Labor Organization and Opeepl Youth Pulse also point to growing concern about the future among youth.
Concern about the future is increasing with technology
AI is being considered an important means of change in the future economy and work. However, the growing concern among youth suggests that they are taking a serious look at the potential risks along with its opportunities.
Especially the increasing apprehension regarding the impact on jobs and career is an important signal for tech companies, educational institutions and policy makers. As AI expands in the coming years, it will be important to see how many jobs the new technology creates and what its actual impact is on existing employment.