Gen Z wants to ditch AI but fears falling behind
Young Australians increasingly resent AI dependency despite using it to stay competitive in studies.
Nearly 80 per cent of Australian students are using generative AI in their studies, yet many resent the dependency. A Gallup study found Gen Z's attitude to the tools has significantly worsened.
Almost two-thirds of Australians think AI is moving too fast. Most think the risks outweigh the benefits.
Young people worry about losing their ability to form independent thoughts. Elise Humphreys, 19, a Curtin University student, says she wants to rely on her own thinking but feels forced to use AI or fall behind.
Jenson Rainbird, 16, from Melbourne, has tried to cut AI from his life but it still reaches him through search engines and study tools. The tension is real: students feel trapped by tools they believe are harming them.
- nearly 80 per cent
- Australian students using AI
- 94 per cent
- International adoption rate
- 19
- Elise Humphreys age
- Curtin University, Perth
- University location
Why it mattersEducational reliance on AI tools may weaken young people's ability to develop independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
AustraliaFour in five Australian students now use generative AI regularly, reshaping how schools teach and students learn across the country.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 6 d ago
