Survey Reveals Gen Z’s Love for AI and Indifference to Crypto in 2025

• Why Is Gen Z All-In on AI but Skipping Crypto?
• AI: Gen Z’s Daily Sidekick
• Humanoid Robots: Fascination Meets Fear
• Crypto’s Image Problem: "Not My Priority"
• Can Crypto Win Over Gen Z?
• FAQs: Gen Z, AI, and Crypto

A 2025 Morgan Stanley survey highlights a stark generational divide: While 96% of Gen Z in North America and 91% in Europe embrace AI daily, only a fraction show interest in crypto—despite bitcoin hitting $111,000 and crypto ETFs amassing $53.7 billion. This article explores why AI tools like chatbots and automation resonate with young users, while blockchain remains niche. From trust issues to usability gaps, we unpack the surprises behind Gen Z’s tech preferences—and what crypto must do to catch up. ---

Why Is Gen Z All-In on AI but Skipping Crypto?

Morgan Stanley’s August 2025 survey reveals a paradox: Gen Z, the most digitally native cohort, adores AI but shrugs at crypto. While AI assistants like ChatGPT and Midjourney dominate their routines—96% in North America use AI weekly—only 15% own cryptocurrencies. "AI saves me hours on homework and side hustles," admits college student Lena K., echoing peers who call crypto "complicated" and "irrelevant." Even with Bitcoin’s bull run, skepticism lingers. Analysts blame crypto’s steep learning curve and past scandals (looking at you, FTX), while AI’s plug-and-play tools align with Gen Z’s demand for instant gratification.

AI: Gen Z’s Daily Sidekick

From drafting emails to editing selfies, AI is Gen Z’s Swiss Army knife. The survey shows 91% of European youth rely on AI for tasks like job applications ("Grammarly fixes my terrible grammar," laughs Berlin-based Marco). But it’s not just convenience—88% acknowledge AI’s flaws, like biased outputs or factual errors. "It’s like a smart but clumsy intern," says tech influencer Priya Rao. "You double-check its work, but you’d never fire it." Contrast this with crypto: Only 1 in 6 Gen Zers sees blockchain as practical, per CoinMarketCap data. The verdict? AI solves problems; crypto creates abstract ones.

*Source: Morgan Stanley, 2025*

Humanoid Robots: Fascination Meets Fear

Beyond AI, humanoid robots spark curiosity—and unease. While 43% of Gen Z fantasizes about owning a Tesla Optimus for chores or eldercare, just 12% trust them fully. "I’d freak out if a robot made my coffee," admits Tokyo gamer Riku. Concerns over job displacement (62%) and privacy (54%) outweigh excitement. Crypto faces a similar trust deficit: 78% associate it with scams or volatility, per TradingView sentiment analysis. "Robots feel inevitable; crypto feels optional," summarizes BTCC analyst Jake Chen. "Gen Z bets on tech that blends into life, not disrupts it."

Crypto’s Image Problem: "Not My Priority"

Despite institutional adoption—BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF holds $12.3 billion—Gen Z remains cold. Only 15% use crypto versus 35% of millennials. Why? "It’s like explaining fax machines to TikTokers," quips developer Aisha B. The survey notes three roadblocks:

1. Complexity: 67% find wallets/private keys confusing.
2. Use Case Void: "I can pay with my phone—why switch?" asks student Diego M.
3. Cultural Gap: Meme coins and "crypto bros" alienate young progressives.

Ironically, Gen Z champions crypto’s ideals—decentralization, financial sovereignty—but won’t touch the tech. "We need Web3 to feel like Instagram, not Excel," argues entrepreneur Zoe L.

Can Crypto Win Over Gen Z?

The path forward? Simplify and socialize. Projects like Solana’s "Crypto for Creators" program (paying influencers in stablecoins) show promise. Apps with AI-powered crypto guides—think Duolingo for blockchain—could bridge the gap. "Gen Z won’t mine Bitcoin," admits Chen. "But they’ll flock to solutions that feel native to their digital lives." Until then, AI reigns supreme. As one survey respondent put it: "AI gets me. Crypto just gets my head spinning."

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FAQs: Gen Z, AI, and Crypto

Why does Gen Z prefer AI over crypto?

AI offers tangible, daily utility (e.g., homework help, productivity), while crypto’s benefits (decentralization, investment) feel abstract or high-effort to young users.

What would make crypto appeal to Gen Z?

Simplified interfaces (like social media logins for wallets), real-world use cases (e.g., crypto tipping on TikTok), and education that avoids jargon.

Are humanoid robots the next big tech trend?

Gen Z is intrigued but cautious—43% are interested, yet most fear job loss or privacy risks. Adoption may hinge on robots proving indispensable, not just novel.