Young Australians are embracing generative AI as both a game-changing tool and a source of growing unease, according to new research from the University of Technology Sydney.
The report, From Gen Z to GenAI, explores how people aged 14 to 27 are using AI in everyday life, while navigating concerns around ethics, mental wellbeing and the future of work.
Dr Anna Denejkina, Associate Director and lead author, said the findings reveal a generation trying to balance opportunity with risk. “There is a clear tension between the opportunities Gen Zs see in AI and the significant concerns they hold about its impact on their future,” she said. “On the one hand, young people are using AI to help with study, develop new skills and even for emotional support and advice.”
Data from the report shows 74% of Gen Z respondents use AI to support their schoolwork. Many also use it to spark ideas, organise their thoughts or find relevant information. For Donald, a university student studying computer science, it was the start of a life-changing path. “Using AI was what got me into tech in the first place,” he said. “I had no coding background, but these tools helped me develop my skills and build the resources I needed to learn.”
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While some see AI as a launchpad, others are pulling back. Jacinta*, a young data analyst, shared her personal shift. “I used to rely on it religiously, but now I use it sparingly,” she said. Her concerns stemmed from seeing deepfakes and misinformation online. “It got to a point where I wasn’t thinking for myself anymore. I was getting ChatGPT to make all of these micro-decisions, and that felt like it was rewiring my brain.”
Dr Denejkina said such experiences were becoming more common, especially among young women. “Deepfakes are a major concern for women, and specifically those aged 18 to 21, who are most likely to fear their impact,” she said. “This is a growing reality, not a hypothetical threat.”
Despite the risks, many are still turning to AI tools – including via social media – for guidance and connection. The report reveals that AI is being used as a sounding board for life decisions, stress and even emotional support. However, not everyone feels equally equipped. Only 20% of young women said they felt skilled using AI, compared to 41% of men.
Dr Denejkina warns this divide could worsen existing inequalities if left unaddressed. “There is a risk that AI could deepen existing inequalities if we don’t take steps to ensure women are equipped with the skills and confidence to engage with these tools.”
For Gen Z, the message is clear: the future is connected, but it must remain human.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
