Gen Z Want to Be AI-Ready

It’s no secret that Gen Z is the AI-native generation. They’ve grown up with tech and know how to use it better than any generation before them.

It was clear from our first report in 2023 that Gen Zs were embracing Generative AI, but they didn’t necessarily feel confident using it.

But in our latest round of research, in collaboration with The Insight Centre, we explored how the perceptions and behaviours of young people and GenAI have shifted – and it turns out that they don’t feel prepared enough for the AI-driven future.

We surveyed 560 young people aged 14 to 27 in secondary and tertiary education, and the early stages of their career. We asked them how they’re using generative AI, what their favourite tools are, and how much they trust the technology.

Many are already tapping into their potential to support their learning on a regular basis for more efficient searching, creativity and productivity. However, they’re still worried about a growing dependence on the tool and the impact on their future employment.

So what do they want? Gen Z want to learn more about GenAI in the classroom and develop their AI literacy to be prepared for both their studies and their future careers. They don’t just want to consume AI – they want to understand it, manage it and create it.

Let’s break it down.

Key Insights

1. Almost half of all young people want to be trained in GenAI at high school and university
2. They want to develop their skills in using GenAI to help them with their careers
3. More than half want to see workplaces embrace more GenAI

Gen AI in high schools

According to our data, around two in five support high school students being trained in using GenAI tools for study or work. Additionally, 50 per cent do not agree that schools should ban students from using generative AI tools for school work and assignments.

So if it’s so important to Gen Z to be using AI in the classroom, how can high schools help them go from AI-curious to AI-fluent? Not only are there several ways to implement this, there are also already plenty of Australian high schools leading the charge.

In July 2023, South Australia became the first state in Australia to trial a generative AI app in partnership with Microsoft, EdChat, with high school students from eight different schools. A year later, Melbourne-based school, Haileybury, launched their new curriculum, shaped by lessons on how best to write prompts for generative AI and the importance of verifying AI-generated text.

Schools can teach prompt writing and how to critically evaluate AI outputs, spot bias and verify facts. By integrating AI literacy into core subjects, offering AI-focused electives like ‘Digital Ethics’, and training teachers to embrace AI instead of fearing it, students will not only be prepared for future jobs, they’ll also know how to use AI responsibly and what risks to look for.

GenAI in universities

While 40 per cent support high school students being trained in using GenAI tools for study or work, this increased to 50 per cent in university. Only 22% of those surveyed believed that uni students should be banned from using GenAI tools for university work or assignments.

So how can universities lean into this demand? Perhaps by introducing mandatory AI literacy courses to learn about the ethics and science of AI; how it impacts their discipline or major specifically; and by offering micro-credentials (which you can read more about here) in topics that reflect industry needs.

Some of this is already in action in universities across Australia. Last year, the University of Sydney was named AI university of the Year in recognition of its development of an AI assistant tool and an “AI in Education” guide, developed by students and staff to illustrate how to responsibly use AI for learning.

GenAI in the workplace

Gen Z is facing a rapidly changing job market with technology reshaping many traditional roles. That’s why they’re in favour of developing skills to use GenAI for their studies and careers.

More than half (53 per cent) of Gen Zs said they agreed that workplaces should embrace the use of generative AI tools at work, while 62 per cent reported that it was important for young people to develop skills to use GenAI effectively for their work and careers. You can read more about that here.

This data continues to be a call to action for education providers across Australia to support students in their AI skills development to future-proof their careers. Gen Z doesn’t just want to understand AI – they want to shape it. It’s time for schools and universities to teach the tools of their time.

There are many ways to get through to Gen Z, and Student Edge knows what resonates.

To access deeper insights and strategies to further understand and connect your brand/organisation – contact us via support@youthinsight.com.au.