Why Half of Gen Z Feels Guilty Using AI at Work
Skip to content
Toggle Navigation
News
- TNW Conference
- June 19 & 20, 2025
- All events
- Newsletters
- Partner with us
- Jobs
- Contact
Latest
- Deep tech
- Sustainability
- Ecosystems
- Data and security
- Fintech and ecommerce
- Future of work
- Conference media hub
Half of Gen Z Workers Feel Guilty Using AI, Even as Employers Value AI Skills Over Degrees
A new global survey reveals a generation grappling with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their jobs.
The AI Paradox
In a study by employment platform Employment Hero, 41% of UK workers admitted feeling guilty when using AI to produce work, rising to 51% among Gen Z. This "AI paradox" highlights the tension between the growing importance of AI skills and the lingering stigma attached to their use.
Ria Kaur, a university student, expressed this sentiment: "AI can feel like my dirty little secret." She attributes this to the societal perception that young people are lazy when using AI at work.
Employer Perception vs. Employee Reality
Interestingly, while 60% of employers believe their staff view AI positively, over four in ten employees say using it feels like cheating. This disconnect suggests employers may not fully grasp the internal struggles of their Gen Z workforce.
The Cost of Guilt
The guilt associated with AI use often goes unspoken. Many employees, like Kaur, choose to conceal their unease, fearing judgment or accusations of cutting corners.
AI Skill Outpacing Education
In a striking finding, the survey revealed that AI skills are now valued above prior work experience and even university degrees in job hiring. This shift is reflected in job ads, with mentions of AI skills increasing by 235% year-on-year.
However, the workforce lags behind, with six in ten employees rating their AI abilities as low or average. Gen Z workers, in particular, are taking matters into their own hands, with over half learning AI through social media.
The Future of Work
The survey highlights the complex relationship between Gen Z and AI in the workplace. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily tasks, young workers must navigate its use while overcoming internal guilt and external perceptions.