Profiling Level of AI Adoption Through Demographic Lenses: Gen-Z in Gangtok

Abstract

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education, offering opportunities for personalized learning and enhanced academic engagement. Gen-Z, as digital natives and tech-savvy, are uniquely positioned to benefit from AI. However, disparities in infrastructure, digital literacy, and socio-demographic factors may influence their adaptability, especially in semi-urban regions like Gangtok. Objective: This study investigates the association between AI adaptability and demographic variables like age, gender, educational qualification, educational institution and field of study. It further analyses the levels of awareness, frequency of usage and adoption patterns of AI tools among Gen-Z students in Gangtok. Methods: The research is conducted through a structured cross-sectional survey among 100 undergraduate and postgraduate students from three major institutions in Gangtok – Sikkim University, SRM University and Sikkim Manipal University. Data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using Jamovi (v2.6.26) for descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests. Results: Findings indicate high awareness of AI tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly, especially among undergraduate and female students. Usage patterns revealed ChatGPT as the most frequently used AI tool, followed by Gemini and Grammarly. Significant associations were found between AI adaptability and gender, educational qualification and field of study (p < 0.05), while there was no significant association between AI adaptability and age. Conclusion: While AI awareness is widespread among Gen-Z in Gangtok, meaningful adoption varies across demographics. The study highlights the need for target AI literacy programs, curriculum integration and infrastructure enhancement to ensure equitable and responsible AI usage in education.