Artificial intelligence (AI) has swept into today’s culture and is likely here to stay.

“Society is recognizing that the once far-off possibilities of artificial intelligence have rapidly become the reality of our present,” Barna CEO David Kinnaman has said about the growing technology. “Whether you’re compelled, curious, confused or concerned about these new technologies, you probably have a lot of questions—about how AI might influence your day-to-day life, your job, your family, your worship gatherings and so on.”

To provide insight, Barna has partnered with Gloo to study the evolving perceptions and possibilities surrounding AI, especially within the Church.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, different generations view AI differently. But AI is a technology that’s rapidly changing—and so are the opinions of how it should and should not be used. This article begins to tell the generational story of AI usage and how this might affect the ways older and younger generations engage with each other—and the world around them.

Younger Generations Are Curious About AI, Older Generations—Skeptical Although AI may seem to be taking the world by storm, many are still warming up to the technology. Even among younger generations, there is some hesitancy. Around one in three Gen Z (29%) and Millennials (32%) say they are “skeptical” of AI, more than they are “excited” about it (20% of Gen Z and 23% of Millennials say this). Younger generations are more prone to feel “curious” about AI (42% of Gen Z and 40% of Millennials say this).