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Exploring High School Students' Attitudes Towards Generative AI

Recent data shows that a staggering 97% of high school students express a strong desire to leverage generative AI for future applications in their careers. This insight, gathered through surveys conducted by Spice Factory, marks a significant trend in how technology is shaping educational development.

Spice Factory, based in Minato, Tokyo, has been welcoming an average of over 300 middle and high school students annually for corporate visits since June 2023. By December 2025, the total number of students engaged reached 982, indicating an expanding initiative aimed at career education. Looking forward, they are set to accommodate over 300 more students annually starting from 2026.

The Growth of Corporate Visits

The growth trajectory is impressive:

• - 2023: 291 students from 31 schools
• - 2024: 450 students from 49 schools, including 23 college students from 2 universities
• - 2025: 241 students from 22 schools, with inclusion of high school teachers in the program

By 2025, the initiative had evolved to also support college students and include teacher training, thereby nurturing a solid foundation for future generations. The connection between students and educators highlights the efficacy of these activities in fostering youth development.

High School Students' Generative AI Usage

A significant finding from the recent survey indicates that approximately 73% of students have utilized generative AI tools. When probed about future aspirations, around 97% indicated a willingness to incorporate generative AI into their studies and daily life. The most commonly used tool among students was ChatGPT, reported by 73.5%, highlighting its accessibility.

However, this surge in interest comes alongside concerns regarding a lack of literacy in using such advanced technologies responsibly, leading to inappropriate behavior and instances of crime. For instance, incidents involving the misuse of generative AI have been reported, raising alarms among educators and parents alike.

Responsibly Navigating AI in Education

Spice Factory is taking proactive measures to ensure responsible AI usage within their corporate framework. Achieving a 100% employee utilization rate of generative AI tools, they are also developing a comprehensive AI policy to encourage ethical use among staff. In the coming years, they aim to educate high school students about the distinction between mere usage and responsible application of generative AI.

During corporate visits, before they engage with the workforce, many students feel uncertain about their futures. Initial responses show that about 57% of students express anxiety about their careers, while only 42% report feeling hopeful. However, following corporate visits, the figures change dramatically: approximately 86% of students feel optimistic about their future, suggesting these visits play a significant role in shaping their outlook.

Bridging Education and Society

The need for effective, co-created career education has never been clearer. The theme for UNESCO's International Day of Education in 2026 emphasizes the power of youth in shaping their educational paths. Japan's Ministry of Education is also advocating for integrated approaches that foster diverse learning through partnerships among schools, families, and the community.

Engaging students through corporate visits exemplifies a participatory model of career education, encouraging them to connect educational experiences with real-world contexts.

Future Perspectives

Ayano Ryugo, Chief Sustainability Officer at Spice Factory, expressed that the recent findings demonstrated a surprising level of familiarity with AI tools. She emphasized that understanding how to use these tools ethically is vital in preparing the next generation for a tech-driven future. The corporate visits offer students not just an insight into various professions but also an opportunity to reflect on their roles within society. By fostering dialogue with working professionals, students can alleviate their job-related anxieties and develop a forward-looking mindset.

In summary, the landscape of generative AI engagement among high school students presents both opportunities and challenges. As education and technology continue to intertwine, initiatives like Spice Factory's corporate visits represent a meaningful step towards cultivating responsible and skilled future leaders.