Exploring the AI Landscape: Perceptions of Economic Impacts and Ethical Dilemmas Among Generation Z

The purpose of this study is to explore Generation Z students’ perceptions and attitudes of AI technology, focusing on its impact on education, the economy, labour market, and ethical considerations. The research employs a qualitative design using focus group discussions with Generation Z students from two universities in Croatia. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify and analyse patterns within the data. The findings reveal a predominantly positive attitude towards AI, highlighting its efficiency and productivity benefits, especially in academic contexts. However, students also expressed significant concerns regarding the accuracy, reliability, and ethical implications of AI, emphasizing the need for human oversight and data protection measures. The study identifies major concerns about job displacement due to AI and the necessity for continuous learning to stay relevant in an AI-driven job market. These insights underline the importance of balanced AI adoption, integrating human judgment, and ethical considerations to maximize benefits while mitigating risks. The primary limitation of the study is its relatively small and geographically specific sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should include larger, more diverse samples and quantitative methods to validate and extend these insights. This study contributes to the literature by providing into Generation Z’s attitudes towards AI within the Croatian context, highlighting the need for comprehensive AI literacy programs and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.