Janice R. Andrews
One would think that Gen Z, who are digital natives, would be at the forefront of adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace in an age where technology is always changing. But a recent Ernst & Young study casts doubt on this widely held notion. The survey indicates that younger workers are not actually using AI as much in the workplace as their Gen X and millennial peers, despite what one might think.
A third-party research organization and Ernst & Young worked together to poll one thousand full- and part-time Americans in a range of age categories. The intention was to investigate how different generations felt about the use of AI. The findings revealed an unexpected pattern: compared to their younger colleagues, elder American professionals appear to be more receptive to integrating AI into their working life.
The survey found that 74% of respondents who were millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) and 70% of respondents who were Gen X (those born between 1965 and 1980) have utilized AI tools like ChatGPT from OpenAI at work. Nevertheless, among Gen Z respondents (those born between 1997 and 2005), the percentage fell, with only 63% saying they have used AI at work.
The degree of faith that various generations have in AI technology is one of the main factors for this occurrence. According to the report, confidence in AI extends beyond safety and security for both younger and older generations; it depends on the technology’s effectiveness, according to Marcie Merriman, leader of EY’s cultural insights in the Americas. It appears that Gen Z employees could be less certain that AI can actually increase their productivity.
Merriman said that differing levels of comfort with implementing new technology may have a role. Given their increased experience with swift change, Gen Xers could be more inclined to learn about and employ AI technologies in the workplace. However, because they were raised in a technologically advanced world, Gen Z may be more likely to reject AI when it doesn’t live up to their expectations.
“Gen Z grew up in a technology-native space, and they’re much more exposed to when the AI works and when the AI doesn’t work,” said Dan Diasio, global AI head at EY, highlighting this point. They go on to the next thing if AI is ineffective.”
It’s interesting to see that some Gen Z employees have found AI useful for their careers. For example, twenty-year-old content producer Morgan Young said that she utilizes ChatGPT to do research and generate ideas for pitch ideas. She claims that this helps her save time and produces better content. Compared to their elder counterparts, those in the same age bracket are using AI to plan for an early retirement.
Although the study clarifies how AI is being used by various generations, it ignores a crucial query: can AI actually improve workplace productivity? Divergent research on the effects of generative AI raises questions; while some point to large time savings, others point to possible negative effects on worker performance.
Understanding the interactions between various generations and their adoption of AI becomes increasingly important as the workplace continues to change. The study’s conclusions dispel myths and highlight the necessity for businesses to customize their AI adoption plans in accordance with the particular tastes and requirements of every age group.
