Gen Z and AI: What Do Digital Natives Really Think of Artificial Intelligence?

Gen Z might be the first generation to grow up with AI in their group chat, but that doesn’t mean they’re giving it a free pass. A new report from The Insight Centre has just dropped, revealing how young Aussies are using generative AI tools like ChatGPT, what they actually think about them, and where the tech gives them the ick.

Spoiler alert: it’s not all sci-fi optimism and 24/7 essay help. Like any good relationships status of those born between 1997 and 2012 … It’s complicated.

Let’s start with the basics: 90% of Gen Z have used GenAI tools. A stat that’s almost as strong as their nostalgia for 2000s fashion trends, like trucker caps, tube tops and velour tracksuits. Whether it’s to brainstorm an assignment, help craft a cover letter, or just chat when we’re feeling a bit meh, AI is showing up in their study, work, and even personal lives. Some people even admit to using it for texting their mates. But it’s not all smooth sailing in the silicon sea…

Enter the existential dread

Dr Anna Denejkina, Associate Director at The Insight Centre, says Gen Z is stuck in a weird limbo. They’re hyped about the opportunities AI opens up. But also deeply anxious about where it’s heading.

The big three fears?

1. Creative theft
2. Deepfakes and misinformation
3. Losing the ability to think for themselves

And women, especially, are copping it hardest. The research shows a huge gender gap when it comes to confidence and skills in using AI tools. Only 20% of young women feel skilled compared to 41% of men, and twice as many guys say they feel confident navigating GenAI. Cue the tech bro energy.

It doesn’t stop there. Nearly three in four young women are seriously worried about their creative work being used to train AI without consent. And deepfakes? They’re terrifying. Especially for women aged 18 to 21, who are the most concerned about being targeted.

Jacinta*, a data analyst in her 20s, said she used to rely on ChatGPT daily. Until it started creeping into everything. From writing emails to crafting texts, she realised she wasn’t making her own micro-decisions anymore. “It felt like it was rewiring my brain,” she said. “I stopped using it in my personal life when I caught myself using AI to text my friends. It didn’t feel right. It didn’t feel human.”

Meanwhile, Donald, a uni student working in the AI space, had a different story. He said AI helped him break into tech despite having zero coding background.

“Using AI was what got me into tech in the first place. It opened doors I didn’t even know existed,” he said. For him, AI isn’t about replacing humans … it’s about pushing us to be more creative and efficient.

But, even Donald agrees that deepfakes and misinformation are a serious issue. The silver lining? The industry is already building tools to help detect fake content, and Gen Z is getting better at spotting it.

Gen Z and AI : A (non) cheat’s guide

According to Dr Denejkina, despite the chaos, most memebwrs of Gen Z aren’t using AI to cheat. In fact, 82% of students say they wouldn’t use GenAI to plagiarise in the future … regardless of what they may or may not have done in a caffeine-fuelled panic at 2am.

Instead, many Gen Zs are using these tools to build skills, not shortcut them. And, for some, AI has even become a source of emotional support – like a digital therapist that doesn’t judge or ghost you mid-convo.

Still, there’s a clear takeaway: Gen Z is smart enough to see both sides. Thet know AI can make life easier, but are also hyper-aware of the potential trade-offs – from job security to losing their creative edge.

As Donald put it, “AI has supercharged the way we work, but it’s on us to keep the human element front and centre.”