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Gen-Z employees are getting anxious about AI. Specifically, they're concerned that relying on ChatGPT in the workplace could have a negative impact on their career, even as they use the technology to get ahead of the competition, according to a new survey of 2,000 American Gen-Z workers.

According to the survey of employed Americans aged 18-26, conducted in January by the professional writing platform Edubirdie, the youngest generation in the workforce is using generative AI, but isn't proud of it. In fact, 36 percent of Gen-Z respondents said they feel guilty about using ChatGPT at work "often" or "almost always." Asked what they use the tech for, 61 percent of respondents said that they use ChatGPT to conduct research at work, 47 percent said editing and proofreading, and 42 percent said writing and generating content.

Despite the anxiety that comes with using Generative AI, 79 percent of respondents said they'd seen no negative repercussions for using it in the workplace. Still, some workplaces are stricter than others when it comes to AI. The survey found that two percent of respondents had been fired after using ChatGPT at work, while 5 percent were almost fired and 6 percent were reprimanded.

While 49 percent of respondents said ChatGPT has made them more creative and less stressed, Gen-Z is also wary that overuse of the tech could have a negative effect on their skills and abilities. More than one in three respondents (36 percent) said they worry about becoming too reliant on ChatGPT, and 31 percent said it limits their critical thinking.

Instead of feeling stressed about their AI usage, Gen-Z workers should position themselves as champions for AI at their workplaces, says Aaron Kwittwen, founder of AI-powered PR company PRophet. "I recommend they start by playing around with generative AI tools on personal accounts, and then bring professional-grade tools that are fit for purpose and with vertical intent to their companies," Kwittwen says. "Gen-Z has the opportunity to become resident AI experts, and those who aren't proficient are actually more likely to be laid off."

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