A Study by "Lenovo": 98% of Generation Z Students Use AI as Daily Support

SadaNews - A new study by "Lenovo" involving 8,035 Generation Z students from eight European countries shows that the tablet is no longer a secondary device in a university student's life, but is gradually transforming into a platform that combines study, creativity, personal organization, and entertainment, at a time when AI tools are reshaping the way we learn and engage in daily tasks. The numbers reveal a generation that interacts with technology as a part of their academic day and personal identity simultaneously.

The study, conducted between December 30, 2025, and January 14, 2026, among students aged 18 to 25 in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, paints a picture of a university environment that is no longer static in place or rhythm. Learning is no longer associated only with desks or lecture halls; it shifts between libraries, cafes, bedrooms, and modes of transportation. This explains why 94 percent of participants said the tablet is useful or will be useful for student life. Additionally, about three in ten see weightlessness as a top priority in their ideal study environment.

Creativity through Customization

Notably, the results of the study indicate that the conversation is no longer just about traditional productivity but also about creativity. Ninety-nine percent of students said advanced technologies play an important role in supporting their creativity, indicating that digital tools have become part of the thinking process itself, not merely a means to execute tasks. This trend is reinforced by 91 percent of participants stating that they customize their devices to express their creative identity, while 94 percent customize app designs and organization to fit their way of thinking and working, and 92 percent tailor their pen or digital brush tools to their personal styles.

This integration between technology and personal identity does not stop at appearance; it extends to function. Eighty-one percent of students believe that device design is important for creativity, meaning that factors like comfort, ease of use, and aesthetics are no longer marginal details, but part of the purchasing decision itself. At the same time, practical tools remain crucial; 92 percent said pen accuracy is important for creativity, and 88 percent emphasized the importance of keyboard setup, indicating that students are not only looking for a beautiful or lightweight device but one that supports their focus and reduces friction while working.

Supporting AI

The results indicate that tablets are regularly used for activities beyond reading and content browsing. Among students who use them weekly or more, 75 percent said they rely on their tablet at least once a week, while 73 percent use it for drawing or planning at least once a week. This reflects that tablets are closer to real production tools, not just screens for consumption or entertainment.

Regarding AI, the study shows it as a daily support layer rather than a substitute for human effort. Ninety-eight percent of students said that AI assists them in one way or another, with about seven in ten using these tools weekly or more. Three primary uses stand out clearly: note-taking at 73 percent, summarizing at 73 percent, and idea generation at 72 percent. Moreover, 83 percent believe that AI tools designed for idea generation help support the creative process and act as a springboard for productivity, rather than a substitute for original ideas.

Here, a significant transformation becomes clear: students do not view AI as a tool to be used occasionally when needed; instead, it has become a quiet supporting layer that helps them organize their day, regain context, and manage stress when lectures, assignments, and deadlines pile up. This might also explain why 89 percent said that advanced technologies help them feel more supported and in control during busy study periods.

Prioritizing Daily Balance

From a focus perspective, the study clearly reveals the pressures of the modern digital environment. Forty-four percent reported that a clear, high-quality screen helps them concentrate, while 35 percent indicated that the speed of multitasking is an important element, and 31 percent noted that pen support for quick note-taking helps maintain their workflow. Almost a quarter of participants said tablets help them manage time and workloads, reflecting a transition from the device being a tech tool to its role as an everyday intermediary between the student and their academic tasks.

This generation's priorities do not hinge only on performance. Sustainability is very much present in the purchasing decision, with 99 percent saying sustainability matters when choosing technology. High-quality materials capable of withstanding daily use were highlighted by 36 percent, followed by reparability and long-term support at 33 percent, devices made from recycled materials or with lower environmental impact at 32 percent, fully recyclable packaging at 30 percent, and responsible manufacturing at 29 percent. Furthermore, 37 percent mentioned that a long-lasting device that maintains its speed is a key consideration when purchasing.

At the same time, trust remains a non-negotiable factor. Ninety-six percent said it is important that the device helps them feel secure, in control, and protected online. As reliance on studying, creativity, and personal communication increasingly depends on the same device, privacy and security appear to be essential requirements, not just additional features.

In conclusion, these figures indicate that students are not merely looking for faster or thinner devices; they want tools that can keep up with a flexible, fragmented school day overwhelmed by distractions, while simultaneously being infused with creativity. This makes competition in this category less about hard specifications alone and more about the device's ability to combine performance, flexibility, focus, and intelligent support in a single experience.