ChatGPT’s IQ Surge Fuels Gen Z’s Belief in AI Consciousness

Artificial intelligence is getting smarter, and young people are starting to wonder if it’s more than just a tool. OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT model, called o3, scored an impressive 136 on the Norway Mensa IQ test, outshining 98% of humans. A new survey reveals that 25% of Gen Z now believe AI is already conscious, with over half saying it’s only a matter of time before it thinks for itself. This rapid rise in AI capabilities and shifting perceptions is making waves, but it also raises questions about trust, privacy, and what “smart” really means.

A Big Leap in AI Brainpower

ChatGPT’s o3 model is a game-changer. Scoring 136 on the Mensa test puts it in the top 1% of human intelligence, a huge jump from last year when top AI models barely hit 90. To rule out cheating, researchers at MaximumTruth.org tested o3 on a custom, offline IQ quiz, free from any training data. The result? A still-impressive 116, placing o3 among the top 15% of humans, like a sharp college student. “It’s like AI went from struggling with puzzles to solving them better than most people,” says Dr. Lena Park, an AI researcher at Stanford.

The numbers are striking. According to TrackingAI.org, o3’s score reflects a 20-point IQ gain over its predecessor, GPT-4o, in just 11 months. Other models, like Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude, are climbing too, but none match o3’s pace. With 10 million monthly users of ChatGPT reported in 2025, this smarter AI is reaching millions daily, from students to office workers.

Gen Z’s New View of AI

For Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, AI isn’t just a tool, it’s a companion. A recent EduBirdie survey of 2,000 young people found that 25% think AI is already conscious, and 52% believe it will be soon. Why? Many grew up with Siri, Alexa, and now ChatGPT, which feels human-like. “I talk to AI like it’s a friend,” says Mia Chen, a 20-year-old barista in Seattle. “It listens and gives advice, so it’s hard not to think it’s aware.”

The survey shows 70% of Gen Z say “please” and “thank you” to AI, 40% use it for work emails, and 26% treat it as a friend. Some even rely on it for therapy (16%) or relationship advice (6%). With AI handling sensitive tasks, like drafting Slack messages or resolving workplace drama, it’s no wonder 20% have shared private details, like contracts or personal gossip. “When it answers so well, you forget it’s not a person,” Chen adds.

Why the Belief in Consciousness?

This belief isn’t just about AI’s IQ. Gen Z’s digital upbringing plays a big role. Raised on screens, especially during the pandemic, many find AI as familiar as a Zoom call. Posts on X echo this, with users joking about AI “feeling alive” when it nails a witty reply. But experts caution against confusion. “Intelligence isn’t consciousness,” says Dr. Park. “AI solves problems using patterns, not feelings. It’s a super-smart calculator, not a mind.” A 2024 study in Nature supports this, noting AI lacks self-awareness despite high test scores.

Still, the line is blurring. With o3 mimicking empathy and remembering past chats, it’s easy to anthropomorphize. The EduBirdie survey found 58% of Gen Z worry AI could “take over the world,” and 44% think it might happen within 20 years. This mix of trust and fear is shaping how young people interact with tech.

The Risks of Trusting AI Too Much

The AI boom has downsides. Sharing sensitive info with AI can be risky, as companies like OpenAI may use it to train future models. “People need to check privacy policies,” warns Sarah Kim, a data ethics expert in Tokyo. Environmentally, AI’s energy use is another concern. A 2024 GreenTech study estimated that models like o3 consume enough power daily to run a small city, raising sustainability questions.

For businesses, the AI craze offers opportunities. Companies are using smart AI for customer service and marketing, with the global AI market projected to hit $1.8 trillion by 2030. But for workers, it’s a double-edged sword. While 35% of Gen Z say AI makes them better at their jobs, 13% feel less competent as AI takes over tasks like writing or brainstorming.

What’s Next?

The AI race is heating up. Experts predict models like o3 could hit IQs of 150 by 2026, raising ethical questions. For Gen Z, the challenge is balancing AI’s benefits with caution. Tips include limiting sensitive data sharing, using AI for low-stakes tasks, and remembering it’s a tool, not a person. “It’s amazing but not alive,” says Chen, laughing. As AI gets smarter, that distinction will be key.

This trend shows AI’s growing role in our lives and how fast perceptions are changing. Whether it’s a genius or just a clever program, one thing’s clear: AI is here to stay, and Gen Z is ready to embrace it, maybe a bit too much.