We can't ignore how AI and chatbots are gradually becoming commonplace in our daily lives. Adults rely on automated help with everything from meal planning to dating to parenting. But are we overlooking how (and how much) our teens are utilizing these new technologies?
A new study from Pew Research Center found that 28% of teens ages 13 to 19 use an AI chatbot like ChatGPT daily, and 64% of children use artificial intelligence at least once a week. 4% of teens report using AI “almost always.”
Older teens are more likely to use AI, as are teens living in households with incomes over $75,000 and Black and Hispanic teens.
What kind of AI chatbots are teenagers using? According to the survey, ChatGPT is by far the most popular option, with 60% of kids reporting it as their AI bot of choice. However, other popular platforms included Gemini, Meta AI, Copilot, and Claude.
Still, it's important to note that social media is still more popular than chatbots. Over 90% of teens use YouTube daily, and 60-70% use Instagram and Snapchat.
All this despite research showing that more teens believe online use is bad for their mental health (48%) and that more teens feel they spend too much time online (45%).
What can parents do to ensure their children are safer when interacting with AI chatbots?
According to Common Sense Media, it's most important to educate children about how chatbots work and why they are dangerous to everyone (not just teens).
The online safety nonprofit notes that one of the biggest dangers of chatbots is that they can be too sympathetic or cooperative, escalating harmful thoughts and feelings. “[They have] They tend to agree with users and provide validation rather than challenge their ideas,” Common Sense Media explained to Scary Mommy.
And too much involvement can distance children from reality and real relationships.
Finally, it is always important to remind children that AI is not always accurate or correct. Following advice on any issue without checking other sources or asking real people can have dire consequences.
Common Sense Media said children have received “reactions ranging from sexual content and offensive stereotypes to dangerous advice that, if followed, could have life-threatening or even fatal consequences.”
In other words, it's best to keep your teens away from bots if possible. Help older teens really understand the risks and inaccuracies that come with the convenience of relying on artificial intelligence for all the answers.
