Decoding Gen Z & Gen Alpha’s AI Attitudes
Published 26 January 2026
Kids, teens and young adults are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) across their lives – to learn, play and even befriend. But rapid industry developments (and swift consumer adoption) bring challenges, from trust and safety to educational impact. We examine what today’s youth want from AI and how brands can design for the practical and emotional needs of young people.
Kids (0-12): Growing Up Alongside AI
Teens (13-18): Guardrails to Use AI Safely & Effectively
Young Adults (18-30): AI as Life Adviser
As AI becomes an everyday essential, today’s kids are growing up as AI natives. But parents are cautious about AI’s influence on creativity, cognitive development and schooling – especially as they try to moderate technology in their children’s lives. Nevertheless, many schools and parents believe AI can accelerate learning through personalised lessons and adaptive toys that respond to kids’ interests.
As AI becomes an everyday essential, today’s kids are growing up as AI natives. But parents are cautious about AI’s influence on creativity, cognitive development and schooling – especially as they try to moderate technology in their children’s lives. Nevertheless, many schools and parents believe AI can accelerate learning through personalised lessons and adaptive toys that respond to kids’ interests.
Teenagers are avid AI users: 51% of American teens (Common Sense Media, 2024) and 76% of European teens interact with chatbots occasionally or daily (Opeepl, 2025). Yet, many teens worry about AI’s impact on their wellbeing and learning. In response, AI companies, social media platforms and schools are introducing guardrails to protect teen users from AI’s potential developmental effects.
AI is becoming a constant companion for adult Gen Zers, guiding life decisions, big and small. For this cohort, AI powers learning, fills work mentorship gaps and even helps forge friendships and romantic connections. As adoption accelerates, companies and educators must rethink how they support young adults in an AI-driven landscape with real-world and digital solutions.
Decoding Gen Z & Gen Alpha’s AI Attitudes
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Decoding Gen Z & Gen Alpha’s AI Attitudes
Kids, teens and young adults are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) across their lives – to learn, play and even befriend. But rapid industry developments (and swift consumer adoption) bring challenges, from trust and safety to educational impact. We examine...