Surveys Show 90% of American Youth Use AI Chatbots

Two new national surveys indicate that artificial intelligence chatbots have become a standard tool for American children and teenagers. The data show that the technology is now widely used for both academic assistance and emotional support. This shift marks a rapid change in how young people engage with digital tools for daily needs.

The JED Foundation, a mental health advocacy organization, surveyed 5,500 students aged 9 to 17 in schools across the United States. The results show that 90 percent of these students have used an AI chatbot. Nearly two-thirds of the respondents use the technology for schoolwork while also turning to it for companionship or when feeling stressed, lonely, or anxious. A separate survey by Common Sense Media found that AI use begins before the typical minimum age of 13. Nearly half of children aged 9 to 12 have used an AI chatbot, and by age 13, nearly three-quarters have done so.

Anne Maheux, a developmental psychologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, described the findings as remarkable. She was not involved in either survey. Maheux noted that a few years ago, few children used the technology, but now similar numbers of students use it for homework and for emotional support. She stated, "It seems like just a few years ago, no one was using" the technology, "and now it seems like roughly the same number of kids using it for homework are using it to get emotional support or help with coping."

Students in different states described their specific usage patterns. Arjun Sharda, 15, of Round Rock, Texas, uses both ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, though he prefers the latter recently. He uses the tools to practice sample test questions and understand concepts outside of the classroom. Sharda said he and his friends also turn to chatbots during periods of stress. He recalled asking ChatGPT if his GPA would remain fine before a chemistry test on conversions and moles because he feared failing.

McKenzie Craig, 17, of Raynham, Massachusetts, has used chatbots since eighth grade. She uses the technology to prioritize tasks when she is overwhelmed. She also runs essays through Grammarly or ChatGPT to receive feedback before editing her work. Craig said the feedback allows her to make necessary changes to her writing.

Researchers at the JED Foundation also examined the link between AI use and mental health indicators. Kayla Anderson, vice president of research and evaluation at the foundation, explained that students using AI while in emotional distress were more likely to report poor mental health outcomes. These students also reported a greater history of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Anderson cautioned that the data do not prove a causal link. She said it is unclear whether AI use contributes to poor mental health or whether students already in distress are more likely to turn to AI.

Maheux noted that preliminary data from other researchers suggest the relationship may be bidirectional. She said children with worse mental health seek out AI for help, but that use may exacerbate their challenges. In a study of middle schoolers, Maheux and her colleagues found that students using chatbots for companionship grew lonelier over time. They saw similar results in a study of young adults. Maheux suggested that AI may ease immediate distress but prevent young people from developing skills to tolerate normal daily stresses, which can lead to worse mental health over time.