The AI Paradox: Gallup Survey Reveals More Exposure, Less Confidence Among Gen Z

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Justin Lall, Principal at Gallup, and Stephanie Marken, Senior Partner at Gallup.This session explored what happens when the generation with the most exposure to AI becomes less convinced of its value. New national research from Gallup in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation and GSV Ventures revealed a striking paradox: while Gen Z continued to engage with AI, confidence in its impact was slipping. Excitement and optimism were down, skepticism was rising, and many young people were increasingly questioning whether AI was helping or hurting their learning, creativity, and future readiness.The speakers examined findings from one of the first national, longitudinal studies tracking Gen Z’s relationship with AI over time—offering a timely look at how attitudes, behaviors, and expectations were evolving as AI became more embedded in school, work, and everyday life. For leaders rethinking learning, workforce preparation, and student success, the implications were significant—and increasingly hard to ignore.