As artificial intelligence changes workplace roles, a growing divide is emerging between younger and older workers. A new Glassdoor study found that Gen Z workers are more likely to use AI tools but are also more concerned about how the technology could affect their careers.
The study found that nearly half of Gen X workers, born between 1965 and 1980, speak positively about their companies’ use of AI. The technology is expected to create more opportunities for senior-level employees.
Around 1 in 3 Gen Z workers, with the oldest now in their late 20s, do not view AI as positively. However, the majority of both Gen Z and Gen X workers remain critical of the technology.
The findings are consistent with concerns that AI could affect entry-level jobs first. An updated study by Stanford economists found that employment among workers aged 22 to 25 in the most AI-exposed occupations is 19% lower than among their peers in less AI-exposed fields. The gap was 13% in 2025.
Glassdoor senior economist Chris Martin said, “This fear that we had that the inability or the unwillingness of older workers to adopt new technologies is going to make them obsolete in the workforce just hasn’t been the case with this technology, at least not yet.”
“If you are a little more senior in your career, you are a little more insulated,” Martin added.
Experienced workers see more opportunities
Workers aged over 40 said their employers are well positioned to benefit from the AI boom. They also praised their employers for providing opportunities to experiment with generative AI tools.
The study said experienced professionals may be better positioned to get useful results from large language models because they can write precise prompts and identify AI-generated inaccuracies.
Demand for senior-level talent has also increased. Job postings for senior roles rose 14.7% year-on-year through May 2026, while entry-level postings fell 6.3% during the same period.
Stanford researchers also found lower hiring rates for entry-level workers in AI-affected fields, with the impact on workers aged 22 to 25 appearing mainly through fewer jobs rather than lower wages.
Despite these concerns, younger workers continue to use AI heavily. More than 75% of Gen Z workers have used standalone AI tools, compared with just over 33% of Gen X workers, according to Deloitte.
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