Millennials outpace Gen Z in adopting generative AI for work
MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES — An exclusive Generational Pulse Report by PYMNTS Intelligence reveals that millennials, not their younger Gen Z counterparts, are the most prolific users of generative AI in the workplace.
According to a report by PYMNTS, this generational shift highlights a pragmatic drive for productivity among professionals in their prime career years, signaling AI’s evolution from a novelty to an essential utility.
Millennials emerge as top AI adopters
PYMNTS Intelligence’s Generational Pulse Report, which surveyed 2,261 American adults, found that the widely held belief that digital-native Gen Z would be the first to adopt AI is falsified. The statistics indicate that 52% of millennials are using generative AI in their work activities, the highest percentage of any generation.
Their use of the technology is highly practical and aimed at achieving actual results, such as report writing, research, and summarizing communications, to increase efficiency and productivity. It implies that the technology’s comfort as an adoption factor alone is not sufficient, but rather a strong necessity to address certain issues and cope with the heavy workload.
This utilitarian strategy is evident in the fact that the level of satisfaction among millennials is high; more than 70% of respondents reported being very satisfied with GenAI tools. Notably, 61% agree that the technology directly assists them in doing more within a shorter period, which suggests a strong relationship between adoption and perceived productivity improvement.
They are also concerned with quantifiable advantages, which contrasts with other generations, making millennials the most influential group in determining how AI will be incorporated into everyday business operations. Their adoption is characterized by confidence and a clear-eyed view of AI as a competitive tool rather than a threatening disruptor.
Generational fears, adoption hurdles
The report reveals clear issues that are hindering adoption by other generations as millennials move ahead. In the case of Gen Z, excitement is balanced by anxiety as almost 40% stated they were worried that AI would take their jobs.
This is presumably due to their youthful career days, when they might be more susceptible to automation. This fear can cause them to view technology with greater skepticism than millennials, who seem to perceive AI as a means to guarantee their job security by adding value and efficiency to themselves.
Baby boomers present the starkest contrast, with only 10% using GenAI in any context and a mere 5.3% reporting high familiarity with the tools. Their major concern is not job displacement, but privacy, which 38% of boomers have cited as a concern. Gen X falls in the middle range, indicating moderate familiarity and usage, which means they can be the second generation of adopters, following behind the trend set by millennials.
The persistent fears of misinformation and the threat of a loss of personal privacy persist with age. Over 6 in 10 users report experiencing overall satisfaction, indicating that the benefits of the technology outweigh the perceived hazards for the majority of users who currently use it.
