Gen Z’s AI Anxiety: Why College Students Fear the AI Revolution

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in our daily lives, an unexpected trend is emerging among college students – not excitement, but fear. According to former McKinsey analyst and current Dartmouth professor Scott Anthony, students are expressing genuine anxiety about AI’s impact on their cognitive abilities and future prospects.

The Fear of AI Among Young Adults

In a recent Fortune interview, Anthony revealed that college students are ‘scared full stop’ about using large language models (LLMs). This fear extends beyond typical academic concerns about cheating to something more profound – students worry they might ‘lose their humanity’ and critical thinking skills by becoming overly dependent on AI technology.

This apprehension stands in stark contrast to the attitudes of tenured professors, who generally approach AI with enthusiasm and curiosity. The difference in perspective is understandable: established academics with secure positions face significantly less economic uncertainty than students preparing to enter a rapidly changing job market disrupted by AI advancements.

Scientific Basis for AI Concerns

Recent research suggests these fears may be justified. An MIT study divided participants into three groups – one using LLMs, another using search engines, and a third relying solely on their own cognitive abilities. While the AI-assisted group completed writing tasks more easily, researchers observed concerning side effects:

• AI users showed diminished critical evaluation of the LLM’s output
• They were more likely to accept AI-generated ‘opinions’ without questioning
• Participants essentially entered an AI-moderated echo chamber rather than engaging their own critical faculties

Perhaps most tellingly, the participants who used only their brains reported higher satisfaction with their work and demonstrated stronger brain connectivity during the process.

Economic Realities Fueling Anxiety

Beyond cognitive concerns, students face legitimate worries about their economic futures. As AI capabilities expand across industries, job security becomes increasingly uncertain for those entering the workforce. Unlike tenured professors with established positions, students must navigate a job landscape being rapidly reshaped by automation and AI integration.

The Messy Middle of Technological Change

Anthony acknowledges the current situation represents the ‘messy middle’ of technological transformation. Historical patterns suggest that major technological shifts often create periods of disruption and anxiety before society adapts and establishes new norms.

For Generation Z, this transition period feels particularly threatening as they must develop their careers and cognitive abilities while simultaneously navigating AI’s expanding role in both professional and educational contexts.

Conclusion

The anxiety expressed by college students regarding AI represents more than typical resistance to change – it reflects legitimate concerns about cognitive independence, critical thinking skills, and economic security. As AI continues its rapid evolution, addressing these concerns through thoughtful integration of technology and preservation of human cognitive development will be essential for educational institutions and society at large.