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Gen Z Founders Grapple With AI Anxiety Over Job Obsolescence

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 9:46 GMT by Fortune

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Gen Z Founders and the AI Anxiety: Why the Biggest Misconception is “AI Will Make Us Obsolete”

In a feature that ran in the latest issue of Fortune, the author takes a close look at how a new generation of entrepreneurs is grappling with the rise of artificial intelligence. The story centers on Maya Patel, a 26‑year‑old founder of the start‑up Eco‑Lens, which uses machine‑learning algorithms to design sustainable packaging solutions. Patel’s experience—both the opportunities and the challenges that AI brings—serves as a microcosm for a broader conversation that the Fortune editorial team is calling “the Gen Z AI anxiety.” In the article, Patel and the piece’s analysts frame the issue in three parts: the fear of obsolescence, the myth of AI as a shortcut, and the real skill set that will determine the next wave of innovators.

The Fear of Obsolescence

Patel is one of the many Gen Z founders who have been raised in an era of rapid tech change. She speaks candidly about how the very tools that helped her launch Eco‑Lens—open‑source AI frameworks, cloud computing platforms, and low‑cost data sets—also feel like a threat. “Every time I see a new model come out that can do something I did with a spreadsheet, I feel like I’m playing catch‑up,” Patel tells the interviewer. The article cites a 2024 survey from the World Economic Forum that found that 68 % of Gen Z employees report some anxiety about AI potentially replacing their job functions.

But the piece also offers a counterpoint. AI is described not as a wholesale replacement of human labor, but as a set of augmenting tools that can free founders like Patel from mundane tasks. “When I first automated the packaging design process with an AI model, I realized I had more bandwidth for customer outreach and partnership strategy,” Patel notes. The article quotes a research article from the Harvard Business Review that predicts “human‑AI collaboration will increase productivity by 15 % in creative industries.” This framing positions the fear of obsolescence as a legitimate concern but also as an opportunity to re‑imagine the roles that people will play.

The Myth of the Shortcut

A recurring theme in the article is the misconception that AI is simply a shortcut that will eliminate the need for hard work. Patel herself has been called “lazy” by critics who argue that her reliance on generative AI for content creation and marketing means she is not learning how to write copy or design social media campaigns. The article, however, pushes back against this narrative.

The piece refers to a link that directs readers to a recent study by Stanford University, which examined how early adopters of AI in marketing actually increased their learning curves. “The tools were just a new medium,” the Stanford study notes. “People who used them creatively ended up developing new skills that were impossible before.” Patel counters that “AI is not a replacement for creativity—it’s an expansion of it.” She cites a case study in the article where a competitor used AI to generate packaging prototypes that reduced development time by 40 % while increasing the number of design iterations—a metric that would have been unattainable without AI.

The article goes on to discuss the broader “shortcut” discourse, highlighting that AI can be a double‑edged sword. On the one hand, it allows rapid prototyping, data‑driven decision making, and real‑time customer personalization. On the other hand, it can foster a culture of “just‑in‑time” thinking that undervalues foundational skills like analytical reasoning and human empathy. The author links to an opinion piece in TechCrunch that advocates for a balanced approach: “Use AI to amplify the human touch, not replace it.”

Upskilling and Continuous Learning

One of the article’s key takeaways is that Gen Z founders must navigate AI not as a threat but as a skill to be mastered. The piece offers a practical roadmap for entrepreneurs who want to stay ahead of the curve. It stresses the importance of continuous learning, citing resources like Coursera’s “AI for Business Leaders” program and MIT’s “Human‑Centered AI” certification. The article also discusses how founders can leverage AI responsibly, pointing readers to a Fortune article on “Ethical AI Use in Start‑ups” that offers a framework for addressing bias, privacy, and transparency.

Patel shares that her own team has adopted a “dual‑track” learning model: one track focuses on using AI tools, while the other invests in core business and soft‑skill training. “We’re not letting AI do all the work,” she says. “Instead, we’re building a culture where everyone can translate data insights into strategy.”

The Broader Conversation

While Patel’s story is compelling, the article uses her narrative as a springboard for a larger discussion about how AI will shape the future of work. It references a Bloomberg piece on the “Tech Talent Gap” and a Forbes article that calls for new educational curricula that emphasize AI literacy. It also includes a link to a TED Talk by Dr. Fei‑Fei Li, who argues that the biggest threat to human relevance is not AI itself but a failure to align it with human values.

In sum, Fortune’s feature on Gen Z founders and AI anxiety presents a nuanced view. It acknowledges the genuine concerns that young entrepreneurs have about obsolescence, while simultaneously debunking the myth that AI is merely a shortcut that encourages laziness. Instead, the article frames AI as a transformative tool that demands a new set of skills—both technical and humanistic. The takeaway for readers is clear: to thrive in the AI‑augmented future, founders must embrace lifelong learning, cultivate ethical standards, and harness AI as a partner rather than a replacement.