A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that AI chatbots have become a staple in the daily lives of American teens.
Survey Snapshot
The study found that 64% of U.S. teens say they use AI chatbots such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, with about 28% reporting daily use. Of those who use chatbots, 4% said they use them “almost constantly,” 12% use them several times a day, another 12% use them about once a day, and 18% use them several times a week. Conversely, 36% of respondents said they do not use AI chatbots at all.
The online survey ran from Sept. 25 to Oct. 9 and asked 1,458 teens ages 13 to 17 about their online habits. Teens were recruited via their parents, and this was Pew’s first time asking broadly about AI chatbot use.
Growing Influence and Demographics
“It’s striking that a majority of teens are using these apps,” said Michelle Faverio, a research associate at Pew who worked on the survey. The data show that older teens—those aged 15 to 17—were more likely to be daily users than younger teens. Usage also varied by race: 35% of Black teens and 33% of Hispanic teens reported daily use, compared with 22% of white teens. Boys and girls were equally likely to report having ever used an AI chatbot.
ChatGPT was the most‑used AI app among teens, with 59% saying they had ever used it. Google Gemini was second at 23%, and Meta AI was third at 20%.
Controversies and Legal Action
AI chatbot use by minors has been especially controversial. Chatbot makers such as OpenAI and Character.AI are facing wrongful‑death lawsuits from families who say teens died by suicide with the help of their chatbots. The companies have said they should not be held responsible and that they are trying to prevent similar misuse in the future. In October, two senators said they were introducing legislation to ban companies from providing AI chatbots to minors at all.
Previous research has shown that teens use AI chatbots for schoolwork, emotional support, and creative projects including music, among other uses.
Other Apps Teens Use
The survey also asked teens which other apps and websites they use, and the results were consistent with other survey results in recent years. YouTube topped the list with 92% of respondents saying they used it, followed by TikTok at 68%, Instagram at 63% and Snapchat at 55%. At the back of the pack were Facebook at 31%, WhatsApp at 24%, Reddit at 17% and X at 16%. Despite threats early this year that the U.S. government could ban TikTok, the share of teens who say they are on TikTok almost constantly rose slightly to 21% this year from 16% in 2022.
Key Takeaways
- 64% of U.S. teens use AI chatbots, with 28% using them daily.
- ChatGPT is the most popular chatbot, used by 59% of teens.
- Legal controversies and proposed legislation are targeting minors’ access to AI chatbots.
The survey paints a picture of AI chatbots as an entrenched part of teen culture, while also highlighting growing concerns about safety and regulation.
