Gen Z may have grown up with smartphones and faster Wi-Fi, but it’s Millennials who are taking the lead when it comes to adopting AI and integrating it into their everyday lives.
A new survey from Future, which polled over 1,000 U.S. consumers, shows that Millennials are embracing AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude for daily tasks at a rate that edges out their younger counterparts, and their reasons are more practical than you might think.
AI super users are largely Millennials
According to the Future AI Sentiment Wave 3 report, 60% of daily AI “super users” are between the ages of 18 and 40. While that range includes both Gen Z and Millennials, the data suggests that the older half — Millennials — are the ones leaning into generative AI more often for everything from scheduling tasks with tools such as ChatGPT Tasks and Alexa to shopping advice.
In other words, even though Gen Z has grown up surrounded by technology and even AI, it’s Millennials who are using it more intentionally.
AI is now a utility
The survey also found that Gen Z and Millennials are 26% more likely than the national average to use AI for product recommendations. This means rather than leaning on Google search, product reviews or peer endorsements, they are using tools such as Gemini and ChatGPT to determine what to buy and do. Generative AI tools are influencing everything from meal and workout plans to organizing their schedules and summarizing complex topics in seconds.
In other words, AI has become integrated as a form of life infrastructure rather than for entertainment or one-off queries.
Millennials are more willing to spend on AI
Millennials are more willing to spend on AI. Our survey shows they’re more likely than Gen Z or Boomers to buy AI-enabled gear — from wearables and smart speakers like Alexa to practical helpers such as robot vacuums, lawn mowers and pool cleaners.
They are in peak earning years, juggling careers and family, and millennials see clear ROI in tools that save time, personalize coaching and automate chores. Many already use AI at work, so paying for premium features or subscriptions at home feels like an extension of that value.
Why Millennials may be ahead on AI
Gen Z tends to encounter AI passively, through TikTok algorithms, Instagram filters or Spotify recommendations. They also tend to be more wary of AI. A recent Gallup survey showed that despite Gen Z engaging fairly regularly with AI tools, they are more skeptical about the effects of generative AI on their creativity and critical thinking skills than Millennials.
Another study by the mobile insights consulting firm GWS found that Gen Z would rather not have AI on their phones. According to the study, which was conducted in 2024 and surveyed 3,000 American smartphone users, nearly half (46%) of ‘older millennials’ (35-44 year olds) are in favor of AI if it helps boost their productivity. However, just a quarter (25%) of 18-24 year olds feel the same way.
It's worth noting that millennials are more likely to be the ones managing families, planning vacations and optimizing their fitness routines – and using AI to get through their ever-growing to-do lists.
Interestingly enough, the Future report also found that Millennials are more likely to double-check AI results with traditional search or expert-backed sources, showing a higher level of digital maturity and trust calibration.
Bottom line
AI adoption is growing across the board, but Millennials are emerging as the most intentional and engaged users. Beyond curiosity, they are asking AI to help them make smarter decisions and solve real problems, optimizing their daily schedules.
As the generational narrative around AI continues to evolve, it’s clear that Millennials aren’t just using AI, they’re setting the pace.
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