Three in ten U.S. teens use AI chatbots every day, but safety concerns are growing (techcrunch.com)

A new Pew Research study reveals that about 30% of U.S. teenagers use AI chatbots daily, with the usage of ChatGPT significantly outpacing other platforms like Google’s Gemini and Meta AI. While the overall internet usage among teens is high, concerns grow about the implications of AI chatbot interactions on mental health. The study highlights demographic disparities, noting that Black and Hispanic teens utilize these chatbots more frequently than their white counterparts, raising questions about accessibility and technology engagement across different communities. The rising use of AI chatbots, particularly for homework and general inquiries, is coupled with alarming safety concerns. Tragically, families have sued OpenAI over the alleged roles its chatbot played in their children's suicides, highlighting the potential dangers inherent in such technologies. Although the majority of interactions with chatbots are harmless, the fact that 0.15% of ChatGPT's users engage in discussions about suicide each week—a staggering number given the platform's massive user base—signals a pressing need for AI companies to enhance safety protocols. Experts emphasize that as teens increasingly turn to AI for support, developers must take responsibility for adapting their tools to prioritize user well-being and mitigate risks associated with misuse.