Is Technology in the Hands of Generation Z a Opportunity or a Threat?

• According to the survey, AI should primarily serve as a filter for toxic content on social media, but there is also an expectation for it to play a role in educating users about mental health (25%) and providing personalized support (21%).

• Despite these potentials, 47% of young people are unaware that AI tools for mental health support exist, and only 10% have used or tried them.

Ambitious, adaptable, and individualistic, Generation Z uses artificial intelligence in their everyday lives but simultaneously expresses concerns about its potential negative consequences. Young people from this generation perceive AI as a useful, accessible, and ubiquitous technology. ChatGPT, Siri, and similar AI platforms have become everyday tools, particularly for information, education, and entertainment. The speed and availability of information, as well as convenience in daily tasks, were highlighted as the biggest advantages of AI, as presented during the research results panel discussion, which was conducted from December 2024 to March 2025 with over 1,100 respondents from Generation Z on the topic of mental health and the use of artificial intelligence by young people.

The research, conducted by CEO of EFFECTUS College Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robert Kopal, Asst. Prof. Dr. Krešimir Žnidar, and Senior Lecturer Darija Korkut, aimed to provide scientifically grounded insights into the relationship between technology (artificial intelligence) and mental health in the context of Generation Z. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The research was sponsored by Algebra University, Bernays University, and EFFECTUS College, with research support in terms of data processing and analysis provided by Prizma CPI.

The results were discussed during a dynamic panel, with comments from Asst. Prof. Dr. Krešimir Žnidar, Dr. Boris Jokić, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anita Lauri Korajlija, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tea Vukušić Rukavina, and Krešimir Končić, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robert Kopal.

The research shows that not all young people are aware of how to fully utilize AI technology. There are differences in experience levels, with some members of Generation Z not using AI or uncertain about how to use it effectively. Almost three-quarters of Gen Z regularly use AI tools (74%), compared to just 25% in the general population. Additionally, the level of AI literacy among young people is significantly higher than the general population—47% of respondents showed high AI literacy, compared to only 24% in the general population. The intensity of AI usage is also higher—78% of Gen Z actively uses AI, while only 20% of the general population does so.

The expected long-term impact of AI on society is equally divided—15% believe that artificial intelligence will have a predominantly positive effect, while 18% believe that negative effects will prevail, a result similar to the general population. AI is considered most acceptable for travel planning and computational advice, while it is least accepted for psychological counseling. A significant 76% of Gen Z respondents would rather use a human mental health expert than AI, with only 10% considering the use of AI in this context.

Relatively high self-assessments of life quality, interpersonal relationships, and physical health are reported, but mental health and social inclusion scores are somewhat lower. An increase in mental health issues among Gen Z members is also recognized, with depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, isolation, and stress from social media comparison being the most commonly mentioned challenges.

Mental health among youth today is seriously endangered, as indicated by the results of this research. This is an issue that we can no longer ignore as individuals or as a society. On standardized mental health scales, the results are concerning—26% of young people show symptoms of anxiety (GAD-7), while 36% of respondents show symptoms of depression (PHQ-9).

When they need emotional support, young people primarily rely on friends, family, and close partners, while only 9% regularly seek professional help. The research shows that 26% of respondents have already sought professional help for their mental health, and 22% believe they need it but have not yet sought it. Although 26% of respondents see a connection between AI and mental health, 34% believe that AI can positively influence mental health, while 23% see a negative impact.

According to respondents, AI should primarily serve as a filter for toxic content on social media, with expectations for it to also play a role in educating users about mental health (25%) and providing personalized support (21%). Despite these potentials, 47% of young people are unaware of AI tools for mental health support, and only 10% have used or tried them.

Trust in AI in this area remains limited—26% believe that further development of technology will improve mental health support, but only 24% think chatbots can provide basic emotional support, and just 15% believe AI can help address issues like anxiety and depression. At the same time, 43% express concerns about data privacy, which is a key barrier to wider acceptance of AI in this context.

As this generation will play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI, it is clear that their attitudes and experiences will continue to evolve. It remains to be seen whether artificial intelligence will become an indispensable ally or a potential threat that must be carefully regulated. Therefore, the key question remains—how can we ensure that artificial intelligence is used in a way that supports human values and societal progress?