Key facts
- Up to 84% of US high school students used AI for schoolwork by mid-2025.
- Students used AI for tasks like writing essays and summarizing readings.
- Gen Z's excitement about AI dropped 14% between 2025 and 2026.
- Nearly half of working Gen Zers believe AI's workforce risks outweigh benefits.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a common tool in American academic settings. A survey indicated that by mid-2025, as many as 84% of high school students were utilizing AI for various school-related tasks, including essay writing and summarizing texts. Despite this widespread adoption, student sentiment towards AI is shifting. A 2026 Gallup–Walton Family Foundation survey revealed a 14% decrease in Gen Z's enthusiasm for AI compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the survey found that almost half of Gen Z individuals currently in the workforce perceive the risks associated with AI in their jobs to be greater than its advantages.