Gen Z x AI: Curious, Conflicted, and Navigating New Norms

Insights from our national survey of high school and postsecondary students.*

We surveyed high school and college students about how they’re using AI—and what they’re feeling is more complex than just simple adoption or resistance.

Some are using AI to spark creativity and boost productivity. But a significant number feel uneasy or unclear about what’s “okay”, especially in academic settings.

Nearly 1 in 4 students want clearer guidance.

This is a call to action for educators, institutions, and employers to lead with clarity and trust, and to build a structure for informed AI usage with human-centered empathy.

Here are a few key signals from our national survey. And stay tuned—we’ll be sharing student voices from our qualitative findings soon!

The Ethics Paradox

For students, there’s a lot of grey area when it comes to AI usage.

And there isn’t an existing ethical framework to help them to navigate these decisions.

• 26% of Gen Z students say using AI for school feels unethical

• 25% say they regularly use AI for academic and personal tasks

• 21% believe using AI for academics prevents them from fully learning

Seeking Clarity

Students are asking for guidance from authorities they trust. 

Institutions must lead with clarity, transparency, and empathy—we’re all learning and setting boundaries together.

• 27% are still figuring out their comfort level with AI

• 21% want clearer guidelines for appropriate use

AI as a Creativity Catalyst

More than just efficiency—AI fuels engagement. 

Gen Z sees AI as a tool for exploration, not just automation.

• 26% say AI enhances their creativity and learning

• 26% have used it to consider school or career decisions

What this Means

Ultimately, the student conflict surrounding AI isn’t just about academic integrity.

It’s about rethinking the norms and narratives we’re building around AI—for a generation that’s still deciding what they believe.

More to Come…

Stay tuned for additional insights from our qualitative research!

* This survey reflects a sample of high school, community college, and university students, selected based on U.S. region, area of study, and personal interests. It’s intended to offer directional insight, not represent the general population.