AI perceptions across technological generations: utopian and dystopian views uniting baby boomers and gen Z in Israel

This research examines public perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in Israel, focusing on generational attitudes along a dystopian-utopian spectrum. The sample included 514 internet users aged 18 and above, collected via an online survey in May 2024. An analysis of attitudes across generational cohorts–Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z -reveals a unique connection between Baby Boomers and Generation Z, both of whom display more dystopian views of AI. This shared apprehension spans the generational gap, rooted in concerns about AI’s potential to disrupt norms, challenge autonomy, and compromise privacy. Baby Boomers, who established careers pre-digitally, often see AI as a threat to traditional work values, while Generation Z, raised in a digital world, is cautious of AI’s influence on privacy and social manipulation. By examining these dynamics, this study sheds light on the complex landscape of AI perceptions in Israel. These insights are essential for policymakers, educators, and technologists to address public concerns, foster informed discourse, and promote a balanced approach to AI development that considers the ethical and social implications of AI’s integration into society.