Org Report

Optimism and Uncertainty: How Teens View and Use Artificial Intelligence

Nov 2024 🇺🇸 Digital Wellness Lab, Boston Children's Hospital Ages 13–17

This Digital Wellness Lab pulse-survey report, credited in part to Michael Rich, surveyed more than 1,400 U.S. teenagers ages 13 to 17 about how they use AI tools such as chatbots and generative-AI apps, what they believe those tools can and can't do, and what guidance — if any — they've received about using them responsibly. The report describes teens as broadly curious about and willing to use these tools for schoolwork, creative projects, and everyday questions, while also expressing real uncertainty about the accuracy of AI-generated answers. It highlights a gap between how much teens already rely on these tools and how much explicit guidance most report receiving on evaluating AI output critically or protecting personal data. TechKids Foundation cites it as an early, survey-based read on how quickly generative AI has entered teen life, and how far adult guidance has lagged behind that adoption.

n > 1,400 U.S. teens surveyed, ages 13–17

The report is based on a sample of more than 1,400 American adolescents ages 13 to 17 surveyed about their AI use, attitudes, and the guidance they've received.

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CITATION

Bickham, David S., Nicole Powell, Hana Chidekel, Zhiying Yue, Samuel Schwamm, Kelly Tiches, Emily Izenman, Karen Ho, Michael Carter, and Michael Rich. "Optimism and Uncertainty: How Teens View and Use Artificial Intelligence." Digital Wellness Lab Pulse Survey, Boston Children's Hospital, November 2024.

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