NEW YORK – Think young people are charging eagerly into an AI-mediated future? Think again.

More than half of Generation Zers living in the United States use generative artificial intelligence regularly, but their feelings about the technology are souring, according to a new survey released on April 9 by Gallup, the Walton Family Foundation and GSV Ventures, a venture capital firm that works in education technology.

The percentage of respondents ages 14 to 29 who said they felt hopeful about AI declined sharply since 2025, down to 18 per cent from 27 per cent.

Young adults’ excitement about artificial intelligence dropped, too, and nearly a third of respondents indicated that the technology made them feel angry.

The survey of more than 1,500 people was conducted in February and March. Its results suggest that Americans’ animosity toward AI extends to a younger generation – one that is currently struggling to find its footing in the workplace.

“In most of these cases, Gen Zers have become increasingly sceptical, increasingly negative – from a place where even (in 2025), they weren’t particularly positive about it,” said Mr Zach Hrynowski, a senior education researcher for Gallup who worked on the survey.

He said he has been surprised by how noticeably young people’s attitudes have shifted.

Many respondents did acknowledge that AI might make them more efficient in school and the workplace, he said. But they are concerned about how the technology will affect their creativity and critical thinking skills.

Young adults in the workforce are especially sceptical.

Close to half of those surveyed said the risks of artificial intelligence outweigh its potential benefits in the workplace, an 11-point jump from the previous year. Only 15 per cent said they see AI as a net benefit.

The findings arrive as parents, students and policymakers debate how much of a role AI systems should play in young ...