Nearly 30 percent of Gen Zers are excited about AI

Take a quick look on social media or any publisher’s news feed, and it’s apparent how the emergence of AI tools like ChatGPT and Dall-E 2 have captured the world’s attention. People are turning to AI to do everything from write marketing copy to plan workouts and meals, and even design parts for spaceships. But is everyone ready to embrace the new technology?

A new report from global audience profiling tool Global Web Index (GWI) examines how different generations vary in their excitement and fears about artificial intelligence (AI). While all generations express interest in the technology, it’s perhaps no surprise that the youngest — and arguably the most tech-savvy cohort surveyed, Gen Zers — expressed the most excitement. But older generations aren’t far behind. Out of 1,910 American adults polled, nearly 30 percent (28.7 percent) of Gen Zers said they were excited about AI, compared to 28 percent of millennials, 21 percent of Gen Xers, and 13 percent of baby boomers.

In no place is the enthusiasm of Gen Z more apparent than on TikTok, where the hashtag #AI has more than 27 billion views and #ChatGPT has more than 5 billion views. People of all ages are sharing explainers on how to use AI to their advantage or for entertainment. According to a March 2022 Pew Research study, among the top reasons why people are excited about AI includes the belief that it makes life and society better, saves time, and handles mundane tasks.

On the other hand, Gen Zers also lead the pack with fears surrounding AI. The poll found that 15 percent of Gen Zers are worried about AI, while 12 percent of millennials, 11 percent of Gen Xers, and 9 percent of baby boomers are concerned.

The above Pew Research study found that the main worries or fears around AI include the loss of jobs that could come from its implantation, lack of digital privacy, lack of human connection, and that AI will become too powerful.