The news: Gen Z’s AI use is leveling off as negative emotions toward the technology grow.

• Just over half (51%) of US Gen Zers ages 14 to 29 use AI daily or weekly in 2026, up slightly from 47% in 2025, per a survey from Gallup, GSV Ventures, and the Walton Family Foundation.
• Although 49% agree or strongly agree that AI makes them feel curious, many say it makes them feel anxious (42%) or angry (31%).
• In the past year, Gen Z’s excitement about AI has dropped 14 percentage points and hopefulness has decreased 9 points. Anger, meanwhile, has risen by 9 points.

When it comes to AI efficiency and creativity, Gen Zers’ positive opinions are declining.

• Over half (56%) of Gen Zers believe AI can help speed up work, though this is down 10 percentage points from 2025.
• 31% say it helps them come up with new ideas, an 11-point decrease YoY.

Zooming in: Gen Z’s relationship with AI is entering a more skeptical and mature phase where adoption is plateauing and enthusiasm is tempered. Growing anxiety and anger also point to broader concerns around AI’s impact on their future.

• Mass AI-led layoffs at major companies might be raising concerns about job opportunities, which is especially relevant for Gen Zers who are graduating from high school or college and entering the workforce.
• Although outcomes are mixed on how quickly AI could take over entry-level positions—some companies are reducing these roles while others are speeding up hiring—concerns could lead some Gen Zers to not try the technology at all or even sabotage their companies’ efforts to use it.

Recommendations for marketers: As novelty gives way to normalization, brands need to provide tangible value, transparency, and trustworthiness.

• Communicate when and how AI is being used in marketing to help build a sense of trust with consumers and assuage concerns about being inundated with AI solutions.
• Prioritize user control in AI-powered experiences by offering easy, clear ways to customize, limit, or opt out of AI features.
• Determine which tools or features benefit from AI and which should stay as-is to avoid building resentment and anxieties about data privacy.

Considering that more frequent AI encounters lead to fewer negative feelings about the technology, per the survey, brands may be best served by identifying high-use consumers to target with AI offerings and giving others a chance to fully opt out.

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