Pew Research: 54% of US Teens Use AI Chatbots for Schoolwork, 12% Seek Emotional Support

Summary

A comprehensive survey by Pew Research Center reveals that artificial intelligence has become deeply integrated into teenage life, with a majority of US teens ages 13-17 now using AI chatbots for various purposes. The study, conducted from September 25 to October 9, 2025, surveyed 1,458 teens and their parents to understand AI adoption patterns and attitudes among young people.

The research found that 57% of teens use chatbots like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Character.ai to search for information, while 54% turn to them for schoolwork assistance. Entertainment remains a significant driver, with 47% using AI tools "for fun," and about 40% using them to summarize content or create and edit media. Approximately 30% of teens report using AI chatbots daily, indicating these tools have become routine parts of their digital lives.

More personal uses of AI have also emerged, though they remain less common. Sixteen percent of teens report using chatbots for casual conversations, while 12% have sought emotional support or advice from AI systems—a trend that has raised concerns among parents, advocates, and lawmakers. About one-in-five teens use chatbots to access news content. The study also examined parental perspectives on teen AI use and explored demographic differences in adoption patterns.

Overall, more teens view AI's future impact as positive rather than negative for their generation. The research represents Pew Research Center's latest effort to track the intersection of teens and technology, combining two of their key research priorities: understanding AI's rise in society and documenting the digital experiences of young people and their families.

• More teens believe AI will have a positive impact on their generation than a negative one
• The study surveyed 1,458 teens ages 13-17 and their parents between September and October 2025