Gen Z Uses AI the Most but Also Distrusts It the Most, Study Finds

A new report from Music Audience Exchange (MAX) reveals a surprising contradiction in how AI is perceived. According to the company’s Wavelength research platform, Gen Z the generation that uses AI the most is also the most skeptical about it – especially about its role in music.

Gen Z’s Complicated Relationship With AI

The study, titled The Fractured Future: Mapping the AI Divide, surveyed more than 14,000 consumers aged 13 to 64 across the United States. The results found that 81% of Gen Z respondents use AI, the highest among all generations. Despite this widespread use, Gen Z also expressed the strongest negative attitudes towards AI.

According to the report, younger respondents were less likely than older generations to believe AI will improve their lives. The study also found that Gen Z women had the most pessimistic outlook of all demographic groups about AI.

 AI-Generated Music Faces Resistance from Gen Z

The report suggests that AI-generated music still faces significant resistance from listeners. Across all age groups, the most common reaction to discovering a song was made by AI was disappointment and a feeling deceived. Among Gen Z listeners, more than one-third said they would stop liking a song entirely if they learned it was created using AI. In comparison, only about 15% of Gen X and Baby Boomers said they would react the same way.

 Culture and Demographics Shape AI Attitudes

The study also found that opinions about AI differ across cultural and demographic groups. Black respondents across generations were generally more optimistic about AI’s potential, while White respondents expressed more skepticism. Music taste also played a role. Resistance to AI-generated music was stronger among fans of folk and indie, while listeners of genres such as salsa, banda and cumbia were more open to it.

While AI tools are becoming widely used, audiences across the globe are far from accepting AI-generated music. Being authentic has never been more valuable for musicians as it is now, and we can only have generative AI to thank for it.

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