In 2022, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman remarked, “Ideological zombification is going out of fashion fast, led by Gen Z.” However, others argue that in the future people will rely heavily on AI for creative work and may become too lazy to form original thoughts. 

When ChatGPT was introduced, Gen Z adopted it to do assignments, apply for jobs, and enhance work quality. OpenAI recently unveiled Media Manager, a tool designed to empower creators and content owners. This tool allows them to interact with AI, specifying ownership rights and preferences regarding the use of their works in machine learning research and training.

According to a Grammarly Survey, 61% of Gen Z assert that they can’t imagine doing work tasks without using GenAI as compared to 56% of millennials, 53% of Gen X-ers, and 41% of baby boomers.

The bond between Gen Z and GenAI has grown unbreakable, each shaping the other in profound ways. Yet, as this dependence deepens, a question arises, should Gen Z lean so much on GenAI?

Get Assistance but Don’t Copy

Platforms like EdrawMind, ToolBaz, Quillbot, and Scholarcy have become staples for Gen Z students, aiding research paper writing and beyond. According to a survey by BestColleges, 56% of college students had utilised AI in assignments or exams by 2023. 

However, opinions remained divided. While many students embraced AI’s assistance, a significant portion deemed its use as cheating or plagiarism.

Meanwhile, Shoshana Davis, a Gen Z career expert and founder of the career consultancy Fairy Job Mother, shared with CNBC Make It during an interview that Gen Z is getting increasingly dependent on AI tools such as ChatGPT for composing cover letters and responses to job applications.

Gen Z Enters the Workplace with GenAI

The trend is clear: the technology once stigmatised as plagiarism has now found acceptance without alteration. Gen Z, equipped with GenAI, has embarked on a journey into the workforce. Projections by McCrindle indicate that by 2025, Gen Z will comprise up to 27% of the workforce. 

LinkedIn‘s Future of Work Report highlighted that AI is expected to be vital in enhancing productivity, with 47% of US executives endorsing its potential. However, amidst this technological revolution, the demand for certain skill sets will remain crucial.

While across the globe, countries are witnessing a significant uptake in AI skills adoption. Singapore leads the pack followed by Finland, Ireland, India, and Canada.

AI for Fun

Further, Gen Z is now using AI for their daily tasks along with shaping their love story. The dating scene has got a makeover, with millennials and Gen Z leading the charge. According to a report by Cosmopolitan magazine and dating app Bumble, over three-quarters of millennials and 81% of Gen Z are open to using AI bots to spice up their flirting game on dating apps. 

But it’s not just romance where AI is making waves. Recent insights from Sprout Social’s 2024 influencer marketing report reveal a trend among Gen Z. While 37% of consumers are curious about brands employing AI influencers, this curiosity spikes to 46% among Gen Z. 

What’s more intriguing is that 27% of consumers, spanning different generations, remain undecided, struggling to differentiate between AI and human influencers. It seems Gen Z isn’t just embracing AI for practical purposes but also for a bit of fun and excitement.

Ultimately, the story of Gen Z and GenAI is one of adaptation and evolution, where the boundaries of creativity, responsibility, and authenticity are continually negotiated. As Gen Z continues to shape and be shaped by AI, the path forward calls for a delicate balance between innovation and the preservation of the human essence.