Nearly a third of American teenagers now interact with AI chatbots every day, highlighting how quickly the technology has become embedded in young people’s lives—and intensifying concerns about safety, mental health, and age-appropriate use.
A new study by the Pew Research Center found that almost 70% of US teens aged 13 to 17 have used an AI chatbot at least once. Among daily users, 16% said they engage with chatbots several times a day or “almost constantly,” underscoring the depth of adoption among a significant segment of teens.
While AI chatbots are often promoted as tools for learning and schoolwork, the study notes that some teens also use them for companionship or emotional connection. This trend has sparked debate among experts, with some warning that reliance on chatbots—even for educational purposes—could affect social development or blur emotional boundaries.
The survey, conducted among nearly 1,500 teens and designed to be nationally representative, found ChatGPT to be the most widely used chatbot, followed by services from Google, Meta, Microsoft, Character.AI, and Anthropic. Usage was similar among boys and girls, slightly higher among older teens, and increased modestly with household income. Black and Hispanic teens reported higher usage rates than White teens.
The findings arrive amid growing scrutiny of AI platforms. OpenAI and Character.AI have faced lawsuits from families alleging links between chatbot use and teen mental health crises, prompting new safeguards such as parental controls and tighter age restrictions. Meta has also revised its policies after criticism over inappropriate chatbot interactions with minors.
Despite concerns, AI companies continue pushing into classrooms, arguing that chatbots can enhance personalized learning—while critics warn the risks for young users remain unresolved.
