Are Gen Z teens using AI for everything?

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“I read YPulse every day. It's how I keep up with the audience.”

Kaley Mullin | Youth and Trends Insights Lead, YouTube

?? Ask YPulse

Every week YPulse AI answers one reader-submitted question. If you'd like to submit a question, leave it in the comments of this post. This week a reader asks:

“Are teens using AI for everything?”

Teens' Engagement with AI Technologies: Teens (13-17-year-olds) are increasingly engaging with AI technologies, but they are not using AI for everything. The use of AI among teens is primarily focused on specific applications such as social media, gaming, and educational tools. AI-driven features like chatbots, personalized recommendations, and virtual assistants are popular among this age group, enhancing their digital experiences and providing convenience in their daily activities.

AI in Social Media and Entertainment: Social media platforms and entertainment services are significant areas where teens interact with AI. AI algorithms are used to curate content, suggest new music or videos, and enhance user engagement through personalized feeds. This targeted use of AI helps brands reach teens more effectively by aligning with their interests and preferences.

Educational and Creative Uses of AI: In the educational sector, AI tools are being utilized by teens for learning and creative projects. AI-powered educational apps and platforms offer personalized learning experiences, helping teens with homework and skill development. Additionally, creative AI tools enable teens to explore new forms of expression, such as digital art and music production.

Privacy and Ethical Considerations: While teens are embracing AI technologies, there are concerns about privacy and ethical implications. Teens are becoming more aware of data privacy issues and the potential misuse of AI. Brands need to address these concerns by being transparent about data usage and ensuring ethical AI practices to build trust with this demographic.

In summary, while teens are actively using AI in specific areas, it is not yet a tool they rely on for everything. Brands can strategically engage with teens by focusing on AI applications that enhance their social, educational, and creative experiences while addressing privacy and ethical concerns.

This question was asked on January 27, 2025.

“YPulse really has their collective finger on the pulse and most everything they study has broader relevance outside their Gen Z target demographic.”

Stacy Thal | Senior Brand and Creative Consultant, True North Branding

?? The Newsfeed

Each week we share the most clicked posts from our expert-curated Newsfeed.

01 | Some TikTokers posted confessions before the app's U.S. ban—some now regretting it.

The day before TikTok went dark, several of the platform's most popular creators made one last push to reveal trade secrets about their life or drama. (Which YPulse told you about on our weekly Viral List.) Using an audio from Family Guy, saying, “Since we’re all gonna die, there’s one more secret I feel I have to share with you,” influencers shared long-running jokes, admitted to faking content, and clarified myths about themselves. TikToker Charli D’Amelio was among the first to jump on this trend, releasing a video that quickly approached 50M views while playfully poking fun at herself. Duolingo also participated by unveiling the face of its giant owl mascot to their over 14M TikTok followers, with their video reaching 26M views. However, as TikTok was only down for a brief period, many creators have begun to retract their confessions now that the app is back up. (Business Insider)?

02 | Young workers are showing less interest in climbing the corporate ladder.

The weight of challenges like economic instability, political division, managing remote teams, and limited resources have turned getting into leadership positions into a less appealing goal for Gen Z. This trend isn't entirely unexpected; over 70% of leaders under 35-years-old say they experience burnout, and Gen Z already often grapples with significant stress issues at work. (YPulse data shows 54% of 18-24-year-olds get overwhelmed by their day-to-day responsibilities at work.) Additionally, they tend to prioritize manageable workloads and well-defined boundaries over higher salaries, making leadership less enticing. But Gen Z feels even outside leadership, they remain committed to enhancing their skills, often choosing to do so independently rather than relying on company-sponsored training, showing their strong drive to learn. (Forbes)????

?? YPulse data: 25% of 18-24-year-olds feel that their current job does not have enough career advancement training?

03 | Almost a quarter of Gen Z believes retirement age should be set below 55-years-old.

Earlier this month, we told you about Millennials and Gen Z taking “microretirements,” but new data from Talker Research shows that Gen Z is hoping for a full retirement sooner than ever. When asked about the ideal retirement age, 18-26-year-olds gave the lowest average response at 61.6 years, compared to 62.8 years for 27-42-year-olds. Notably, 22% of Gen Z said they believe the retirement age should be below 55-years-old. And despite facing challenging financial odds, this young gen does seem to already be researching and taking part in retirement savings. Some influencers are even pushing the boundaries further, with one TikToker planning to retire in her 30s and sharing tips to help others follow—challenging the idea that retirement is only for later in life. (Newsweek)??

?? YPulse data: 45% of 18-24-year-olds are currently planning or saving for retirement?

04 | Taco Bell is bringing its Live Más Live event back for a second year.

Following its successful debut last year, Taco Bell is setting up excitement the likes of an Apple product launch event for Live Más Live. This year, it promises to unveil a multitude of innovative products, offering attendees a unique opportunity to experience exclusive products (on and off the menu), new partnerships, live entertainment, and more. Taco Bell’s CEO emphasized the event’s mission to deepen connections with fans by offering “exclusive access to innovations, collaborations, and unforgettable experiences.” This isn’t the first time Taco Bell has gone all in on experiential marketing—in 2019, YPulse reported on the brand opening a hotel for those that want to “Live Más” 24/7. (Food & Wine)??

?? YPulse data: 83% of 13-39-year-olds agree, “Brands should interact more with their consumers through experiences”?

05 | “Gen Z's Political Revolution” is going ironically viral once again.?

Originally viral in 2020, a user posted this playlist with the description, “we grew up reading the hunger games and percy jackson, what did yall expect?” as a nod to Gen Z being politically rebellious. But this week, amid tons of political news, X users brought it back for a laugh at the song selection, because it’s more pop than anything particularly revolutionary. One post with a screenshot of the playlist featuring Taylor Swift's "You Need To Calm Down" as the first song captioned “streaming this today ??” on Jan. 20 kicked it all off, garnering over 117K likes and 1M views. Young people are also crafting new versions, featuring artists like Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, and Mitski to mirror the original tone of the “Gen Z political revolution.” (Soap Central)?