gen z and aI

Written By Amanda Oneill

Is AI being talked about everywhere you go? Are you worried about your future because tech experts are saying AI will take everyone’s job? Do you use AI as part of your study?

I am reading a really interesting report and I’ve shared some of the findings.

In a collaboration between Student Edge and The Insight Centre (reference is below) over 500 students between the ages of 14-27 were interviews about their AI POV as it relates to education and careers. Here are some stats:

72% of participants are using AI to help with study and homework. Time pressure and academic stress was one of the main reasons students reached for AI. One participant said: “I was too tired to form proper ideas and I had very little time to complete the task.” Another reason was poor understanding or confidence in their subject: “During my certificate course, I was stuck on a unit I didn’t understand. I asked AI to help, then paraphrased it into a different type of scenario.”

There are other education reasons students are reaching for AI:

  • Ideas generation and brainstorming.

  • Assignment editing and proofreading.

  • Research and information gathering.

When it came to careers, AI seems to be having a small impact on how young people picture their future career options. The fear of job displacement factors into their career decisions. It is important to note that there is no way to accurately predict what might happen to every job because of AI. I remember when Google became the main research tool. Many people said it would be the end of libraries and bookshops. Did that happen?

43% of participants have NOT reconsidered their current of future study because of AI, but 30% have.

Here’s what some young people have to say about AI and their career planning:

  • “I want to choose an industry that is not at threat of AI.”

  • “Unsure what my pathway looks like now, but my ideal career is possibly able to be taken over by AI and that’s concerning.”

  • “…I’m still choosing to stay in the same field, however, I’m going to try broaden my options and abilities so I can ensure AI doesn’t take over my future job.’

How are you feeling about your future and the rise of AI?

(reference: Publications With Insight - The Insight Centre)

Amanda Oneill
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