A new survey shows AI concerns are causing 30% of secondary school students to consider different careers.
Three quarters of pupils are worried artificial intelligence will negatively impact their future job.
A poll of 3,700 second-level students from across Ireland, for the annual Studyclix Student Survey, shows growing concerns around technology and the role it plays in their lives.
A third of the students polled regularly use AI tools like ChatGPT and image generators, while half use the tech less often.
In 2023, just one in five used AI, compared to four in five now.
Almost one in ten say they're now actively avoiding career fields they believe will be dominated by artificial intelligence, such as software engineering, graphic design, accounting and marketing.
Parental monitoring
The survey also shows three quarters of students say their parents do not monitor their online activity.
22% say their phone use is the biggest cause of conflict between them and their parents, while 38% say their biggest cause of conflict is not studying enough.
But, it seems some parents are getting stricter when it comes to phones, with more than three quarters reporting their parents didn't put limitations on screen time in the house in 2023, compared to 50% in 2025.
A quarter say they'd be happier if smartphones and social media didn’t exist at all.
Social media and toxic content
Snapchat is the most popular app among those surveyed, at 78%. That's followed by TikTok at 75% and Instagram at 69%.
More than one in four say they come across racist, homophobic, or sexist online content each day, while 30% say they see it several times a week. Almost 66% say the content was most visible on TikTok, while 60% say Instagram.
Other findings
The poll also found 53% of respondents would favour a mix of project work and exams for the Leaving Cert, while 27% prefer traditional exams.
More than half agree the Netflix drama 'Adolescence' was a realistic depiction of teen life online.
Over a third say social media influencers are the biggest source of fake or misleading information online.
Half of students are planning a Leaving Cert holiday, with one in four expecting to spend up to €1,000 on their trip. The most popular destinations given by students included Albufeira, Zakynthos, and Santa Ponsa.
