A new poll reveals that only 23% of 18 to 24-year-olds feel comfortable doing basic DIY tasks such as unblocking a sink, putting up shelves, or changing a fuse. The survey of 2,000 adults found that four in ten Gen Z respondents lack confidence in hanging a mirror, and around three-quarters are unsure about assembling flat-pack furniture.
Lack of Practical Skills and Fear of Mistakes
More than a quarter of young adults claimed they have never been taught practical DIY skills. Additionally, 30% avoid tackling jobs themselves for fear of getting it wrong and facing an expensive bill to fix it.
However, the research also highlights a digital strength: 41% of youngsters would be confident setting up a home WiFi network without help, as well as building a website and troubleshooting internet connection issues. The study also found that 80% of 18 to 25-year-olds have used AI tools to create, write, or build something within the past year, including websites and side hustles.
DIY Evolves into Digital Creation
The research was commissioned by Tiiny Host, a drag-and-drop platform designed to quickly launch and share static websites, PDFs, and files online. Elston Baretto, founder of the platform, commented on the shift: “DIY hasn’t disappeared - it’s evolving - and for previous generations, making something yourself might have meant picking up a drill or opening a toolbox.”
“Today, that same instinct to create, learn and figure things out for yourself is increasingly happening online. What’s exciting is that technology and AI are giving more people the confidence to turn an idea into something real - whether that’s a website, a creative project, a side hustle or even the beginnings of a business. You no longer need years of technical experience or a team of experts to get started. People are teaching themselves, experimenting and building independently in a way that simply wasn’t possible before.”
AI Adoption Across Generations
The study also revealed that Gen Z are more likely to have created something using AI in the past year than put up a shelf. A quarter of this age range learned their technology skills directly from tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot.
It’s not just the younger generation leading the digital way, as 45% of all adults have used artificial intelligence for a specific purpose within the same timeframe. According to the OnePoll.com data, almost a quarter have used their digital skills to make money.
