#Generative AI #Teen Engagement #FOSI

Teen Engagement with Generative AI: Insights from Recent Research

Generative AI has become an integral part of everyday life, influencing how younger generations learn, create, and interact. A recent study conducted by the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) sheds light on how older teens, specifically those aged 15 to 18, engage with these advanced digital tools. The study encompasses insights gathered from a national survey involving 1,000 U.S. teens who have recently experimented with generative AI, providing a comprehensive look into their experiences, benefits, and apprehensions related to this transformative technology.

Key Findings of the Study

The study reveals that a significant portion of teens are adopting generative AI tools into their daily routines. Notably, 45% of teen users engage with generative AI more than once a week. The primary motivations behind this frequency are convenience and speed, with 30% of respondents citing ease of use and 18% praising the rapid responses AI can produce.

Interestingly, while these tools offer notable benefits, they do not come without concerns. A predominant fear among teens is the potential loss of critical thinking skills, with 19% expressing apprehension about this issue. Additionally, 15% worry about the long-term effects these technologies may have on future generations.

The responsiveness of generative AI has prompted many teens to converse with AI chatbots about their emotions, with 42% indicating they have done so. However, findings related to teen feelings during these interactions reveal a complex relationship with technology. While 60% of respondents report feeling safe when using generative AI, 44% also admit that certain aspects of the technology