Gen Z most skeptical of AI security despite digital fluency, says survey

Generation Z has emerged as the most skeptical demographic regarding AI security solutions, despite being digital natives comfortable with other advanced technologies. Frontegg’s new survey reveals that 72% of Gen Z respondents distrust AI-based security—an unexpected finding given their lifelong immersion in digital environments. This generational skepticism highlights a broader challenge for AI security adoption: companies must not only develop better technology but also cultivate greater transparency and trust to overcome consumer hesitation, particularly among younger users who will shape future technology trends.

The big picture: While Gen Z readily embraces smart devices, facial recognition, and digital wallets in daily life, they draw a line at AI managing their security needs, creating a paradox for technology companies.

• This skepticism exists despite Gen Z’s reputation as the most technologically fluent generation, having grown up during the rise of smartphones and social media.
• The trust gap suggests that technical superiority alone won’t drive adoption of AI security solutions without corresponding improvements in transparency and user education.

Key factors driving distrust: Frontegg CTO Aviad Mizrachi attributes Gen Z’s skepticism to their unique technological upbringing alongside high-profile data breaches and privacy scandals.

• “Gen Z grew up with smart tech, but also with data breaches and surveillance scandals. That constant exposure has created a sharper BS detector when it comes to privacy,” Mizrachi explained.
• Nearly half (49%) of survey respondents expressed specific concerns that facial recognition technology is being used to track them without consent.

Behind the numbers: Despite advanced AI authentication options, a substantial majority (61%) of users still prefer traditional passwords over AI-based security solutions.

• Mizrachi notes this preference stems from familiarity rather than security effectiveness: “People understand how passwords work—they’ve been using them for decades. AI security feels abstract and complex, even if it’s objectively better.”
• The gap highlights how user perception and comfort often outweigh technical superiority in technology adoption decisions.

Bright spots: While AI security faces adoption challenges, biometric authentication is gaining momentum among early adopters, with 57% of “tech-savvy” users already using these solutions.

• Mainstream adoption remains gradual due to lingering privacy concerns about how biometric data is stored and protected.
• Mizrachi suggests companies should “offer opt-in experiences that let users try biometric tools with clear, upfront information” to bridge the adoption gap.

The path forward: Building trust in AI security will require significant investment in consumer education and radical transparency about data practices.

• “Most consumers don’t know how facial recognition works or where their biometric data goes. Simple, engaging explainers—short videos, interactive walkthroughs, visual dashboards—can go a long way in helping users feel more in control and less skeptical,” Mizrachi explained.
• The industry challenge has shifted from purely technological to psychological, requiring security vendors to focus as much on trust-building as technical innovation.