Would you give up TikTok or ChatGPT first? New study reveals what Gen Z prefers

Young people using smartphones — (Image credit: Getty Images)

For years, social media has been treated as non-negotiable — especially for Gen Z. But a new survey suggests that may no longer be true.

According to a recent study conducted by AI Resume Builder, nearly one in four Gen Z adults say they’d rather give up social media like TikTok and Instagram than lose access to ChatGPT or similar AI tools. Even more striking: 9 in 10 respondents say they can’t imagine life without conversational AI.

Gen Z is using ChatGPT daily — and often

Smartphone displaying ChatGPT logo held in front of white OpenAI logo on green background

(Image credit: VCG / Contributor / Getty Images)

The survey, which polled more than 1,200 Gen Z adults, found that AI tools are now embedded into everyday routines with 40% of respondents saying they use ChatGPT daily. Many reported using it multiple times per day.

AI is commonly used for writing, studying, brainstorming, job prep and problem-solving. In contrast to social media — which is often framed as entertainment or escapism — respondents described AI tools as useful, efficient and productivity-driven.

That distinction may help explain why some are willing to ditch platforms like Instagram or TikTok before giving up their AI assistant.

AI is becoming a utility, not a trend

A woman with brown curly hair in bed on her phone as she battles phone addcition — (Image credit: Getty Images)

The findings point to a broader shift in how younger users view technology. Rather than seeing AI as a replacement for creativity or human connection, many Gen Z users treat it as a digital utility, similar to search engines or messaging apps.

In other words, ChatGPT is becoming infrastructure, which aligns with what we’re seeing across the tech industry. AI tools are now deeply integrated into browsers, phones, operating systems and productivity software, making them harder to separate from daily digital life.

Bottom line

To be clear, this doesn’t mean Gen Z is abandoning social media. But it does show that what is changing is priority.

Social media may still dominate screen time, but AI is increasingly seen as the tool people rely on when something actually needs to get done. As AI tools become faster, more conversational and more deeply embedded across devices, that reliance is likely to grow — especially among digital-native users who are comfortable collaborating with machines.

The takeaway isn’t that ChatGPT has “replaced” social media. It’s that AI has crossed an important threshold: for a growing number of people, life without it now feels impractical.

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Amanda Caswell is an award-winning journalist, bestselling YA author, and one of today’s leading voices in AI and technology. A celebrated contributor to various news outlets, her sharp insights and relatable storytelling have earned her a loyal readership. Amanda’s work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including outstanding contribution to media.

Known for her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex topics, Amanda seamlessly blends innovation and creativity, inspiring readers to embrace the power of AI and emerging technologies. As a certified prompt engineer, she continues to push the boundaries of how humans and AI can work together.

Beyond her journalism career, Amanda is a long-distance runner and mom of three. She lives in New Jersey.

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