Nearly nine in 10 survey respondents identify the rapid growth of AI as the most transformative technological force of the coming years. This consensus reflects both optimism about AI’s potential and awareness of its risks. Alongside innovation, young people are calling for stronger governance. Concerns about privacy, data misuse and the erosion of human interaction feature prominently across responses. They want technology that serves people – not the other way around. Global frameworks such as the AI Principles of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development16 and the EU AI Act17 echo these priorities, emphasizing human rights-based design, clear accountability and robust oversight. For this generation, trust in technology will depend on whether these safeguards are not only written but also enforced.Embracing innovation, demanding guardrails Technological trends that will shape the next five years FIGURE 8 Which technological trends do you think will have the biggest impact in the next ﬁve years?* 10 0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100Rising concerns about online privacy and data misuseRapid growth of AI transforming learning, decision-making and daily life Reduced face-to-face interaction Growth of social media and digital communities New opportunities through virtual reality and other immersive experiences Wider access to technology and internet Rising online harassment53.0%86.4% 34.7% 32.9% 26.7% 23.6% 16.2% Two-thirds (66%) of respondents believe AI will reduce the number of entry-level roles available over the next three years, reflecting concern about automation’s impact on early career pathways. Routine and process-driven tasks – often concentrated in junior roles – are perceived to be the most at risk. This anxiety is backed by new data: the Stanford Digital Economy Lab reports a 13% relative employment decline among young workers in the most exposed occupations.18 Researchers suggest that AI models are replacing book learning more than tacit knowledge – displacing those still early in their careers while not affecting more experienced employees. As AI reshapes labour markets, young people are calling for adaptive skill systems and public-private partnerships to ensure technological disruption does not deepen inequality.Automation anxiety: Entry-level jobs at riskNote: *Respondents were asked to select up to three trends Youth Pulse 2026: Insights from the next generation for a changing world 22