Teen and Young Adult Perspectives on Generative AI: Patterns of Use, Excitements, and Concerns
June 3, 2024
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become an integral part of the digital landscape, surfacing new ways for people to learn, create, and innovate. At the same time, it brings both proven and unknown risks to everything from privacy to equity and accuracy.
Young people are extremely important in considering the future of generative AI—they're not only early adopters and influencers, but will also be among the first to grapple with its consequences. Understanding the perspectives of young people when it comes to generative AI is paramount, especially considering the impact of digital technologies on youth well-being.
This study, conducted in partnership with Hopelab and the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education, examines how young people perceive and interact with generative AI technologies, with special attention to race and ethnicity, age, gender, and LGBTQ+ identity.
These nuanced views of teens and young adults from diverse demographic groups offer valuable insights into the potential benefits of generative AI, such as broader access to information, streamlining of tasks, and enhanced creativity. However, young people also expressed concerns about potential negative impacts, including job loss, privacy issues, intellectual property theft, misinformation and disinformation, and even AI taking over the world.
It's essential to understand young people's perspectives about generative AI, especially when considering programs, policies, and design features that impact the mental health of marginalized and minority populations like LGBTQ+, Black, and Latinx youth. The data in this report can ensure that the well-being of the earliest adopters is prioritized.
More resources:
Learn more about Common Sense's AI literacy lessons for grades 6-12.
Explore resources from our partners at Hopelab and the Center for Digital Thriving.