Is AI Making Gen Z Smarter—or Stealing Our Ability to Think?

AI is everywhere—from classrooms and workplaces to Google searches, social media posts, and even the way we brainstorm, write, and create. But Gen Z seems caught in a strange contradiction: we use AI constantly, yet many of us are anxious about where it’s taking us.In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, Catherine and Rachel unpack why Gen Z is both the first generation to grow up with AI and one of the first to push back against it. From “analog bags” and grandma hobbies to AI-written posts, brain rot, creativity, and the fear of a robot-run future, this conversation asks the question everyone should be asking: Are we using AI as a tool—or letting it think for us? 1:02 — Why Gen Z Has to Answer the AI Question1:56 — Can We Still Tell What’s Real?3:42 — Star Wars, Humanoid Robots, and a Future That Feels Too Real4:47 — Half of Gen Z Uses AI—So Why Do So Many Want the Past Back?5:28 — The Lost Childhood Gen Z Still Longs For7:28 — Why Nostalgia, Vintage Trends, and “Analog” Living Are Coming Back8:31 — The Rise of Analog Bags and Grandma Hobbies9:48 — Thousands of Students Boo AI at Graduation12:32 — Is AI Damaging Creativity and Making Us Mentally Lazy?21:34 — The Biggest Difference Between Google and AI: Thinking vs. Being Thought ForGenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu. Listen, rate, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform! ACAST - Apple Podcasts - Spotify - Google Podcasts - YouTube - Rumble Send us your thoughts on this episode @realgenzunplugged!  X - Instagram - Facebook - Truth Social SFX Credits: neon sign buzz hum stereo close lowcut to taste6.flac by kyles -- https://freesound.org/s/453493/ -- License: Creative Commons 0swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.