Young Workers Face an AI-Transformed World They Didn't Choose

Generation Z is inheriting a rapidly AI-disrupted economy without the preparation or career pathways previous generations enjoyed. Sentiment among young adults toward artificial intelligence has sharply deteriorated over the past year, with excitement dropping 14 percentage points to just 22% and hopefulness declining 9 points to 18%, while anger has surged 9 points to 31%. The shift reflects a grim employment reality facing college graduates and entry-level workers as AI automates tasks that once served as stepping stones into careers.