# Young People Overwhelmingly Distrust Tech CEOs: Study New research reveals a deep lack of trust in technology leaders among young adults. - **Source:** [Gizmodo](https://brifing.si/source/63382431-cef0-4c41-883e-2f88dc21351e) - **Published:** 2026-08-17 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3f0d57a0-eed7-4beb-8ebf-edf6c9aead53 ## Young People's View of Tech Leaders A new study by CNBC and Generation Lab examined the trust levels of young adults (18-34) toward technology CEOs. When presented with nine prominent figures in the AI industry, a majority of respondents expressed distrust toward each leader. These findings reveal a profound skepticism among the younger generation toward tech executives. ## AI's Career Impact Concerns The same study found that 45% of participants believe AI will negatively affect their careers, while only 10% anticipate positive impacts. These statistics reflect the anxieties young professionals harbor about technological advancements. The uncertainties surrounding AI's effects on job markets form the basis of these concerns. ## Pessimistic Economic Outlook One striking finding shows young people's economic pessimism - 50% believe the economy will 'get worse,' compared to 22% expecting improvement. Nearly 80% expressed negative views about the U.S. economy. These numbers highlight the younger generation's anxiety about economic uncertainties. ## Shifting Political Leanings The survey revealed notable changes in political attitudes, with 46% viewing democratic socialism favorably or very favorably, versus 23% holding unfavorable views. These results indicate young people moving away from traditional political frameworks toward alternative economic models. ## Tech Industry's Trust Crisis Recent years have seen technology giants' trust erode due to privacy violations and unethical practices. Incidents like Facebook-Cambridge Analytica increased awareness about data misuse. This context helps explain the trust deficit revealed in the study. ## AI's Ethical Challenges Rapid AI advancement brings significant ethical concerns - algorithmic biases, job displacement fears, and privacy violations fuel young people's distrust of tech leaders. The proliferation of tools like ChatGPT has intensified these worries. ## Growing Tech Backlash Regulatory actions against tech giants are increasing in the U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn's statement that 'The era of Big Tech profiting off our children is over' exemplifies this trend. Young people's distrust lends support to such regulatory efforts. ## Implications for the Future The findings suggest the tech industry faces a serious trust crisis. Companies wanting to regain young people's confidence must prioritize transparency and ethical practices. Responsible innovation in AI could both alleviate career concerns and ensure the sector's sustainability. ## Sources covering this story - https://gizmodo.com/tech-ceos-overwhelmingly-distrusted-by-young-study-2000799150 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._