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Three in ten U.S. teens use AI chatbots every day, but safety concerns aregrowing
A Pew Research study reveals that 30% of U.S. teens use AI chatbots daily, with concerns about safety surfacing as incidents involving harmful dialogue lead to lawsuits. The study highlights racial disparities in chatbot use and ongoing debates about the impact of social media on teen mental health, as U.S. officials push for increased safety measures.
Key points
- Pew Research Center study indicates 30% of U.S. teens use AI chatbots daily.
- 59% of teens reportedly use ChatGPT; it's the most popular chatbot among peers.
- Concerns about mental health risks associated with chatbot interactions have led to tragic incidents and lawsuits.
- There's a notable racial disparity in chatbot use among teens, with higher usage rates among Black and Hispanic teens.
- The U.S. surgeon general has previously called for warning labels on social media platforms to protect youth.
- Older teens (15-17) use AI chatbots more frequently than younger teens (13-14).
- Two suits against OpenAI highlight chatbot-related suicides; OpenAI denies liability due to alleged user circumvention of safety features.
Why it matters
- In 2025, the importance of digital safety for young users continues to rise amid regulatory actions and bans on social media for minors in various countries.
- Recent trends emphasize the need for responsible AI, reflecting the growing scrutiny faced by tech companies regarding their influence on mental health.
- The ongoing conversation around AI ethics and its implications for younger populations aligns with broader societal concerns about youth engagement with technology.
The Pew study underscores a critical intersection of technology and youth mental health, highlighting both the rising use of AI chatbots among teens and the urgent need for safety measures to prevent potential dangers.