Gen Z to Gen AI: What Students Really Think – with Dr Anna Denejkina

In this episode of the AI in Education Podcast, hosts Dan and Ray welcome back one of their favourite researchers, Dr Anna Denejkina, to unpack her latest study, "Gen Z to Gen AI: The impact, opportunities and challenges of Generative AI for young Australians". This Insight Centre and Student Edge research collaboration, on the use and attitudes to AI by students, explores how young Australians are adopting generative AI, and what they really think about it. From career pivots and skill confidence gaps to plagiarism misconceptions, Dr Denejkina shares powerful insights into the realities behind the headlines. Discover why 30% of Gen Z students are rethinking their career plans, how gender influences AI confidence, and why students are asking for clear, practical guidance on what is, and isn't, acceptable AI use. The conversation also covers deepfakes, creative industry disruption, and how students themselves are calling for more inclusive and representative decision-making in AI development. If you've ever wondered "How do students use AI?", then this is the episode (and podcast series!) for you.