The kids are not all right—about AI
us.headtopics.com Sep 30, 2026

The kids are not all right—about AI

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

A Pew Research Center survey revealed that for the first time, a majority of American adults under 30 report being more concerned than excited about artificial intelligence. The percentage of youth who feel more anxious than enthusiastic rose from 31% in 2021 to 48% this year, while excitement fell from 25% to 11%. Despite 66% having used a chatbot and 31% using one daily, prolonged exposure has increased fears of deepfakes, job loss, and learning impairment. The trend is reflected in policy preferences, with 60% urging slower data‑center construction and 40% calling for regulation.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The shift signals that AI’s rapid rollout may erode the tech‑savvy generation’s trust, potentially reshaping innovation adoption and regulatory agendas.