A recent study by The Insight Centre reveals that 90% of young Australians aged 14 to 27 are using generative AI tools in their daily lives, driven by various motivations.

Among the respondents, 74% utilize AI to assist with schoolwork, with nearly half leveraging it to enhance their ideation and streamline their thinking.

While Gen Z acknowledges the benefits of AI, such as convenience and skill development, they also express significant concerns regarding cheating, misinformation, and a loss of originality.

Dr. Anna Denejkina emphasizes the importance of initiatives to empower young women with the skills and confidence to engage with AI technologies, particularly in light of concerns over deepfakes.

The introduction of generative AI has prompted one-third of respondents to reconsider their career paths, often shifting towards technology fields to future-proof their employment.

Concerns about job displacement are particularly pronounced in the arts and media sectors, where fears of creative work theft are prevalent, especially among men.

Despite these concerns, 82% of Gen Z students assert they would not resort to using AI for plagiarism, indicating a commitment to academic integrity.

The report highlights a notable gender gap, revealing that 41% of young men feel skilled in using generative AI, compared to only 20% of young women.

These findings come amid ongoing discussions by the Australian federal government regarding the implementation of mandatory safety measures for AI following a Senate inquiry.

Additionally, 67% of Gen Z express worries about their creative work being used without consent to train AI, with women showing greater concern than men.

While AI offers opportunities for skill development and emotional support, overuse raises fears about critical thinking and mental clarity.

Personal anecdotes from respondents illustrate varied experiences with AI, highlighting both its educational benefits and concerns about its influence on decision-making.