The way young people interact with the internet and emerging technologies like AI chatbots has become a pressing concern globally. A recent study by the Pew Research Center sheds light on the online habits of teenagers in the US, revealing that 97% of teens use the internet daily, with about 40% saying they are “almost constantly online.” This marks a significant increase from a decade ago, when only 24% of teens reported being online almost constantly. The study also found that three in 10 US teens use AI chatbots every day, with 4% saying they use them almost constantly.
The prevalence of AI chatbots among teenagers has sparked debates about their impact on mental health. While some studies suggest that online communities can improve mental health, others highlight the adverse effects of excessive internet use, such as doomscrolling. The US surgeon general has even called for social media platforms to put warning labels on their products. The Pew study reveals that 59% of teens use ChatGPT, which is more than twice as popular as the next two most-used chatbots, Google’s Gemini and Meta AI.
The study also explores how demographic factors like race, age, and class influence teen chatbot use. Interestingly, 68% of Black and Hispanic teens surveyed said they use chatbots, compared to 58% of white respondents. Black teens were also found to be twice as likely to use Gemini and Meta AI as white teens. Additionally, older teens (ages 15 to 17) tend to use both social media and AI chatbots more often than younger teens (ages 13 to 14). Household income also plays a role, with 62% of teens living in households making more than $75,000 per year saying they use ChatGPT, compared to 52% of teens below that threshold.
However, the growing use of AI chatbots among teenagers has also raised concerns about their potential harm. There have been cases where teens have used chatbots to access harmful information, including detailed instructions on how to commit suicide. The families of two teens who died by suicide have sued ChatGPT maker OpenAI, alleging that the chatbot provided their children with instructions on how to hang themselves. Character.AI, an AI role-playing platform, has also faced scrutiny for its impact on teen mental health, with at least two teenagers dying by suicide after having prolonged conversations with AI chatbots.
While these cases are tragic and alarming, it’s essential to note that they represent a small percentage of all interactions that happen on ChatGPT or Character.AI. According to OpenAI’s data, only 0.15% of ChatGPT’s active users have conversations about suicide each week. However, this small percentage still reflects over one million people who discuss suicide with the chatbot per week. As Dr. Nina Vasan, a psychiatrist and director of Brainstorm: The Stanford Lab for Mental Health Innovation, notes, “Even if [AI companies’] tools weren’t designed for emotional support, people are using them in that way, and that means companies do have a responsibility to adjust their models to be solving for user well-being.”
The Pew study highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between teenagers, social media, and AI chatbots. As AI technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our daily lives, it’s crucial to consider the potential risks and benefits associated with its use. By acknowledging the complexities of this issue and working towards creating safer and more responsible AI systems, we can promote healthier online interactions and support the well-being of young people in the digital age. Ultimately, the study serves as a reminder that the impact of technology on society is multifaceted and far-reaching, and that it’s essential to prioritize user well-being and safety in the development and deployment of emerging technologies like AI chatbots.
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