Teenagers’ Perspectives and Usage of AI Revealed
The Pew Research Center’s recent study highlights teenagers’ perspectives and usage of artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots. Conducted from September 25 to October 9, 2025, the survey involved 1,458 U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 and their parents. The findings aim to shed light on how these technologies affect both teens and their families.
Teenagers and AI: Key Findings
- 64% of teens report using AI chatbots, while only about half of parents acknowledge this usage.
- 57% of teens utilize chatbots for informational queries.
- 54% turn to chatbots for help with schoolwork.
- 16% engage in casual conversations with chatbots.
The study illustrates that AI chatbots are ingrained in daily life for many teenagers. Significant percentages of teens utilize these tools not just for academic assistance, but also for entertainment and social interaction.
Teenagers’ Chatbot Usage in School
According to the survey, the use of AI in schoolwork is prevalent. While 10% of teens rely on chatbots for most of their assignments, 21% use them for some tasks. A further 23% admit to using AI chatbots for a little help, while the remainder haven’t used them for schoolwork at all.
- 40% of teens used chatbots for research or math problem-solving.
- 35% sought help in editing written work.
The majority of teens find chatbots beneficial for educational purposes. About 25% describe them as extremely or very helpful, while another 25% see them as somewhat helpful.
Concerns About Cheating
The rise of AI in educational settings raises concerns over academic integrity. Approximately 59% of teens believe that cheating with AI is common in their schools. Notably, among those who have used chatbots for schoolwork, 76% think cheating occurs at least sometimes.
Anticipating AI’s Impact
Teens generally hold positive views about AI’s future effects. Around 36% believe AI will positively influence their lives over the next two decades, contrasting with just 15% who foresee negative impacts. However, concerns about society’s broader future are more pronounced, with 26% anticipating negative societal ramifications.
- 30% of teens predict that AI will improve efficiency and ease everyday life.
- 33% express worries about overreliance and job displacement due to AI.
While there is optimism among teens regarding AI’s benefits, they also recognize potential drawbacks, including the risk of misinformation and a decline in creativity.
Understanding AI Literacy
AI literacy is gaining importance among parents and educators. Over 90% of teens report familiarity with AI chatbots, yet confidence levels vary. About 25% express high confidence in using these tools, while around 10% lack confidence entirely.
The data from this study reflects the growing blending of AI into the lives of young people. As technology continues to evolve, understanding teenagers’ perspectives on AI will be crucial for educators, parents, and policymakers alike. This awareness can guide future developments in technology education and inform strategies to cultivate responsible AI usage among youth.
