CURATED READS FOR GEN Z—AND THEIR Z-CURIOUS COLLEAGUES

first up

Welcome back! This week, we’re looking at how Gen Z can use generative AI for good.

For Gen Z, the life hack to end all life hacks is here. It’s called generative AI, and to some, it is the technological embodiment of the adage “work smarter, not harder.” 

Generative AI is a technology that uses deep-learning models to create something new: an image, text, video—you name it. Humans use a generative-AI-powered tool by prompting it with words, and within seconds, it delivers an original work, as if a human made it. Executives in industries ranging from telecommunications to fashion have started asking lots of questions about generative AI’s potential impact on their businesses. McKinsey Global Institute partner Michael Chui and coauthors have begun to outline some answers. 

Early experiments have suggested that the technology can potentially help make everything from marketing and sales to research and development across many industries more efficient. In beauty, for example, AI could theoretically suggest new makeup or skin care formulas based on some initial inputs, like ingredients. Companies will still need humans to refine generative AI’s outputs—ChatGPT sometimes “hallucinates,” meaning it gives you an answer it thinks is right, even if it’s blatantly wrong. 

Businesses are still figuring out exactly how to integrate generative AI into their work, and technology companies are racing to release smarter versions of their AI tools (OpenAI released GPT-4, an upgrade from its GPT-3 chatbot, last week). Rather than waiting for the tech to be perfect, some Gen Zers are already putting generative AI to use. It has made its way to Gen Z–favored social-media platforms Snapchat and TikTok, as well as popular gaming platforms like Roblox. It’s not just for the kids, of course; parents are using generative-AI-powered tools like Bing and ChatGPT to help translate what their Gen Z kids’ slang means.

At school, some enterprising Gen Z students have offloaded their homework onto generative AI, asking it to write essays and solve equations. At least one teacher used it to help grade his students’ homework. (A word of caution to anyone using generative AI to complete homework, write cover letters, or do your day job: the technology often produces wrong answers, offensive responses, and, in the classroom setting, is largely considered plagiarism.) 

Generative-AI-supported classroom cheating is happening so much that some schools are banning the technology altogether. But there are at least two strong reasons for integrating generative AI into the classroom: it can help create personalized lesson plans for students and prepare them for a world where businesses integrate the technology into their products and services. 

In short: it may be better to bring Gen Zers aboard the generative-AI train early so that they can learn the skills required for the jobs of the future. 

(Have you tried using a generative-AI tool at school or work? What happened? Tell us at newideas@mckinsey.com.) 

VISUALIZE IT

First-time biotech “blockbuster launches,” or products whose sales are projected to exceed $1 billion annually, are on the rise.

WAIT, DON’T SCROLL

Lessons in leadership. Former IBM chair and CEO Ginny Rometty explains why “growth and comfort never coexist.”

Decision fatigue. Nearly 40 percent of executives spend their time making decisions, according to McKinsey research, and they believe most of that time is used poorly. Here’s a framework for how to make better decisions, even if you’re not in the C-suite (yet).

A little love for the middle man(ager). Middle managers are often underdeveloped and unempowered at work, in part because of organizational bureaucracy. Giving them time to focus on talent management can help them feel and perform better.

NOT US; STILL GREAT

I want it; I got it. Gen Z spending outpaces that of other generations, in part because of high-wage growth and pent-up savings. [Bloomberg]

Ignorance is bliss. Information overload, particularly of the political variety, could be the culprit behind some young Americans’ unhappiness. Feel free to log off every once in a while. [Atlantic]

CROSSWORD

— Edited by Alexandra Mondalek, editor, New York