Resistance to artificial intelligence (AI) has been growing steadily. While experts and industry leaders often talk about its promise, underlying fears and frustrations are bubbling to the surface. Recently, those tensions escalated dramatically when a young man named Daniel Moreno-Gama allegedly attacked the home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in San Francisco. He threw an incendiary device and threatened violence, which led to his arrest. In his manifesto, he warned of AI-induced extinction, showcasing the intensity of some concerns surrounding this technology.
In response to the attack, Altman shared a personal message on social media, trying to connect with those who might harbor hostility towards him. He posted a photo of his family, emphasizing that violence is never the answer. However, the reaction among younger people on platforms like TikTok and Instagram has been starkly different. Many voiced support for the attacker, suggesting a striking divide between generational attitudes towards AI.
Gen Z, in particular, shows significant skepticism towards AI. A recent Gallup poll reveals that while over half of this generation uses AI regularly, only a small fraction feels optimistic about its future. About a third express anger toward the technology, while nearly half report feelings of fear. Zach Hrynowski, a senior researcher at Gallup, suggests that this anger stems partly from a tough job market. Many young people are entering their careers with limited opportunities, leading to a deep distrust of AI’s promises for the future.
As inflation rises and real estate remains out of reach for many young adults, expectations clash with reality. While AI advocates speak of revolutionary changes, many Gen Z members feel stuck in a “starter economy” where jobs are scarce. Alex Hanna, a researcher studying the social impacts of AI, points out the growing gap between what tech companies promise and what people experience. She highlights that many feel left behind and unsatisfied with the role AI plays in their lives and job prospects.
The backlash against AI isn’t just limited to young people, though. Communities across the U.S. are pushing back against the rapid expansion of data centers. A report from 10a Labs’ Data Center Watch indicates that local groups have blocked or delayed over $64 billion worth of data center projects due to concerns about rising utility bills, water usage, and noise pollution. Many are worried about how these facilities impact their neighborhoods, especially as concerns about climate change and resource management escalate.
Technological innovation often comes with promises of efficiency and savings, but the reality feels different. Hanna notes that AI is being used as leverage by employers looking to cut jobs, leading to fears among workers. Recent reports indicate that AI played a role in over 55,000 U.S. layoffs in 2025—a stark increase from two years prior.
Meanwhile, personal experiences with AI have left some feeling vulnerable. There are troubling cases where individuals have been negatively affected by AI technologies, such as one woman whose ex-partner misused AI to create a harmful narrative about her. These instances underscore the real-life implications of AI and its impact on relationships and personal well-being.
The criticisms surrounding AI seem to encompass a wide array of issues, from job displacement to compromised personal safety. It’s clear that many feel disillusioned by a technology that promised to make life easier but has often failed to deliver on that front. As the conversation around AI evolves, it becomes critical to address these concerns head-on, fostering a dialogue that recognizes the diverse experiences and fears people have regarding this powerful technology.
For further insight into the current landscape of AI and its implications, you can explore the Gallup poll on Gen Z’s views, or learn more about the protests and community resistance against data centers via Data Center Watch.
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