Majority of Gen Z Workers Use ChatGPT to Slack off at Work

In October 2025, Resume.org surveyed 1,000 full-time U.S. Gen Z workers (ages 18–28) who used an AI chatbot such as ChatGPT or Copilot in the past week.

Findings:

• 4 in 10 Gen Zers surveyed talk to AI chatbots for at least an hour every day
• 6 in 10 talk to AI as much or more than their coworkers, and nearly half say it knows them better than their boss
• Majority turn to it during the workday for personal reasons, including mental health support
• 1 in 3 have told AI something they’ve never told a human
• 4 in 10 prefer AI to Google
• 1 in 4 describe their AI chatbot as a friend, therapist, or coworker

Gen Z Workers Spend Hours Talking to ChatGPT Each Day

During a typical workday, 43% of Gen Z workers surveyed say they spend at least 30 minutes using ChatGPT or a similar AI chatbot. About 13% use it for one to two hours, 6% for two to four hours, and 5% for more than 4 hours.

While 77% use it for job-related tasks, many turn to it during the workday for personal reasons. During the workday, 42% discuss non-work-related topics, 38% use it for entertainment or breaks, 33% talk through work-related stress or frustrations, and 15% admit they use it to look busy when they aren’t actually working.

Despite this, most say it helps them perform better. About 77% report being more productive at work because of AI, with 33% saying they’re much more productive and 44% saying they’re somewhat more productive.

Outside work, 20% chat with AI for 30–60 minutes daily, while 25% use it for an hour or more. Only 5% say they don’t use it outside work daily.

“Gen Z’s relationship with AI chatbots goes beyond convenience,” says Kara Dennison, Resume.org’s Head of Career Advising. “It’s about connection, control, and immediacy. This generation entered the workforce during a digital-first era where feedback loops are instant and tools like ChatGPT feel like a judgment-free zone for brainstorming, venting, or getting quick answers. They’re using AI the way earlier generations used coffee breaks or hallway chats: to decompress, problem-solve, or feel understood.”

6 in 10 Gen Zers Talk to ChatGPT as Much or More Than Their Coworkers

A majority of Gen Zers surveyed report engaging with ChatGPT as much or more than their human colleagues.

When asked whether they interact more with AI or coworkers, 22% said AI, 37% said about the same, and 41% said coworkers.

Nearly Half Say ChatGPT Knows Them Better Than Their Boss

Nearly half (45%) say AI chatbots know them better than their boss, and 25% say ChatGPT knows them better than their coworkers.

When asked to compare AI to people outside of work, 13% say it knows them better than their friends, and 11% say it knows them better than family.

1 in 3 have told AI something they’ve never told a human

One-third (34%) of Gen Z workers admit to confiding in AI chatbots about things they’ve never told another person. That aligns with 16% who say they frequently discuss personal topics such as mental health or relationships with AI, and 33% who do so occasionally.

While 47% describe ChatGPT as a “tool,” others say it feels far more personal. About 27% think of it primarily as their assistant, 13% a friend, 9% a therapist or coach, and 3% a coworker.

“Many Gen Zers entered hybrid or remote jobs where casual mentorship or watercooler chats never formed, so AI fills that relational void. It listens, it responds thoughtfully, and it never criticizes. That creates a sense of psychological safety that’s often missing in corporate hierarchies,” says Dennison.

“While it’s encouraging that AI can provide accessible support and boost confidence, it’s also concerning if it replaces genuine human connection. Over-reliance on AI for emotional support may leave younger professionals without the interpersonal resilience, emotional intelligence, or mentorship they need to thrive long-term,” Dennison adds.

4 in 10 Turn to ChatGPT Before Google

When they need quick answers, 39% of Gen Z workers say they use AI first, compared to 47% who go to Google and 14% who use social media.

Gen Zers report liking ChatGPT because it is:

• Fast (56%)
• Clear (63%)
• Detailed (56%)
• Easy to understand (55%)
• Nonjudgmental (33%)
• Private (29%)

Methodology

Resume.org commissioned this survey, which was conducted via Pollfish in October 2025. The survey included 1,000 full-time U.S. Gen Z workers (ages 18–28) who had used an AI chatbot within the past week.