Generation Z exhibits shifting attitudes toward AI, careers, and lifestyle

Generation Z is exhibiting diverse behavioral shifts across career, technology, and lifestyle sectors. In the workforce, a growing number of young professionals are turning toward skilled trades as a more secure and financially stable alternative to traditional office roles, citing greater resilience to artificial intelligence disruption.

However, the integration of AI in the workplace is creating psychological tension. Research indicates that 50 percent of Gen Z workers feel guilty using AI to produce work, with many viewing it as cheating. This has led to a trend of ‘underground’ AI usage, where 42 percent of workers use the technology without their employer’s knowledge.

In lifestyle trends, some individuals are adopting ‘friction-maxxing,’ a practice of intentionally choosing more difficult or physically demanding daily tasks to combat the loss of attention and cognitive skills caused by excessive automation and digital convenience. Additionally, despite the prevalence of digital dating, a majority of Gen Z individuals still prioritize in-person social experiences and romantic encounters.