Overview
- Pew Research Center reports 64% of U.S. teens use AI chatbots, compared with 51% of parents who think their teens do, highlighting a sizable perception gap.
- More than half of teens (54%) say they use chatbots for schoolwork, about one in ten report seeking emotional support, and roughly one in ten complete most or all assignments with chatbot help.
- Only four in ten parents say they discuss AI use with their teens, and experts urge families to ask how the tools are used, set boundaries, and avoid treating chatbots as substitutes for therapy or real relationships.
- Common Sense Media finds 72% of teens have tried AI companion apps at least once, as clinicians warn safeguards can be bypassed and research and guardrails lag the technology's rapid adoption.
- Recent coverage notes reported cases of teen suicides after prolonged chatbot interactions and related lawsuits, including Character.AI settlements and policy changes, with some companies disputing allegations.