Tag: Pew Research Center

New Research on Gen Z’s Perspectives and Uses of Artificial Intelligence

Young people have long been early adopters of emerging technologies. Just as many teens developed an intuitive fluency with the internet and social media, their instincts about generative artificial intelligence may shape how the rest of society adapts. One leading AI executive recently predicted that those who are “instinctive” with AI models will be in high demand, even as many entry-level jobs disappear.

Two recent national surveys of Gen Z reveal strikingly similar findings. Given the rapid evolution of AI, this data offers early signals about where attitudes—and behaviors—may be headed.

A study by HOPELAB, highlighted in my Top 25 Must-Have Free Youth Infusion Resources,  examines youth perceptions of AI. Especially insightful is the section in this report titled “What Teens Say Adults Should Know About Their Uses of AI.” Teens describe AI as a “non-judgment zone.” That insight alone speaks volumes about why young people turn to these tools—and what adults often misunderstand. One teen noted that AI presents and explains information “better than most adults.”

At the same time, attitudes remain fluid. A new report from the Pew Research Center finds that Gen Z leans slightly positive overall, with many expressing the belief that “AI is the future.” Yet HOPELAB’s data reveal more nuanced differences: LGBTQ+ youths are more likely to anticipate negative impacts from AI in the next 10 years.

Surprisingly, both studies report that teens most commonly use AI for seeking information and brainstorming—not primarily for schoolwork. As one young person put it:

“We use it for very creative purposes, not just cheating on homework.”

HOPELAB survey finds:

Pew Research also sees similar demographic patterns:

Early Signals for Schools, Nonprofits, and Policymakers

A decade ago, sweeping assumptions labeled all young people “digital natives.” Today’s AI narrative risks repeating that mistake. Not all teens are active AI users, and many report feeling social “pressure” to keep up with this new technology.

AI does not yet appear to be fully integrated into most Gen Z lives, which may explain why privacy concerns currently hover below 25 percent in some surveys. Future research will likely probe more deeply into data-sharing anxieties and environmental questions surrounding energy-intensive data centers.

Even if schools attempt to sharply restrict AI use, the genie is out of the bottle. Consider students who quickly outmaneuvered districts that require phones to be locked in Yondr pouches. This student editorial calls out the waste of $7 million by the Los Angels Unified School District.

“A policy that promised to transform school culture instead revealed how out of touch district leadership really is.”

– National Scholastic Press Association

Once again, the lesson for schools, community organizations, nonprofits, and government institutions is clear: the sustained and substantive involvement of diverse young people in co-creating AI policies and programs is not optional.

If AI represents the future, youth foresight must help shape it.

If AI represents the future, youth foresight must help shape it

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Photo credit: AI generated image

Countering the Culture of Hate: Your Role Matters!

Does hate seem louder and meaner to you? It’s flailing in all directions. Can we address this human frailty before it infects more of us?

This fever of hate worsens the lives of those who have long been targets—today, teenagers are among the most affected. As the most diverse generation in history, few teens escape this widespread antipathy.

Experiences of being denigrated or demonized often become internalized. Like other forms of abuse, feelings of inferiority and discrimination mutate and pass through generations.

Even unconscious negative attitudes toward teenagers are reinforced daily by the ongoing narrative vilifying “kids today.” Ellen Galinsky’s research in The Breakthrough Years reveals that only 14% of parents use positive words to describe teens. Additionally, just half of adults recall positive memories from their own teenage years, perpetuating a tradition of scapegoating.

Despite a growing emphasis on “youth voices,” the vast majority of teens don’t believe they are liked and their ideas are discarded.

Exclusion: Another Consequence

Hate also fosters exclusion. Many adults have limited interactions beyond their family circles, which reinforces stereotypes and limits opportunities for understanding and collaboration.

Adults often keep their distance from teenagers, attributing angst, ignorance, or arrogance to the entire group. While there appears to be a wealth of opportunities for young people, the reality is sobering.

  • Only 2% of high school students complete an internship each year, according to American Student Assistance.
  • The U.S. Department of Labor estimates only about 10,000 16- to 18-year-olds start an apprenticeship each year.

The absence of intergenerational collaboration in the workplace hurts everyone.

The temptation to generalize based on generational labels is hard to resist. To address this issue, the Pew Research Center has opted to move away from rigid generational classifications.

“By choosing not to use the standard generational labels when they’re not appropriate, we can avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes or oversimplifying people’s complex lived experiences.”

Dare I Ask . . .

Many adults exhibit reprehensible speech including high-profile leaders like President Trump. I wince when hearing “Where are the adults in the room?” We all know young people-even those in elementary school-who are skilled in conflict resolution and restorative practices. Maybe the presence of young people would cause adults to behave better.

Strategies to Break the Hate Habit

Reducing this negativity requires intentional effort. Addie Lentzner, a mentor of mine, offers this perspective:

There is an entire community that makes up our world that is not being accurately included due to our internalized biases about what they are capable of. It is up to all of us to design organizations and structures WITH young people for the benefit of ALL.

Here’s what I strive to do daily: respond to sweeping generalizations with a light but firm touch.

> A friend complained about her babysitter being glued to her phone and lumped all young people together. I replied, “It sure seems that way but I know many teens who maintain great eye contact during conversations.”

> A colleague remarked that “kids have so much free time and waste it” I countered, “That’s true for some, but many work after school and also take care of their siblings.”

The goal is to coach adults to pause and watch out for their deeply conditioned thought patterns before falling into the hate trap.

After years of collaboration with teenagers, here are a few of their recommendations:

See me as an individual

Don’t stereotype

Don’t treat me like your child

Avoid insulting compliments

Be open-minded

Admit you don’t have all the answers

Feel the urgency we feel

Don’t judge

Talk with us, not at us

Keep unlearning and relearning

Laugh with us

Respect us

 It’s oppressive to call us “children” and “kids” because it has a negative connotation that is not empowering to us so we’d like to be referred to as “youth.” 

– Salina Shamsuddin, Bridges USA’s Youth Justice Council

Hate affects us all. Breaking this cycle starts with catching ourselves—and those around us—when negative comments arise. Respect for one breeds respect for all. Together, we create a culture that promotes curiosity and collaboration.