AI chatbots are now common in the lives of American teenagers. This information comes from a report by the Pew Research Center.
Many teens use AI to search for information and get help with schoolwork. Some teens also use AI for casual chats and emotionalsupport. About 16% of teens talk to AI for fun, while 12% seek advice or comfort.
Experts worry about this. They say talking to AI can make people feel lonely. These systems are not made for giving emotional help. The AI might lead teens away from real-life facts and connections with others.
Parents and teenagers have different views about using AI. While 51% of parents think their child uses chatbots, 64% of teens say they do. Most parents are fine with using AI for schoolwork. However, only 28% like their teens using AI for casual chats.
Some companies, like Character.AI, stop kids under 18 from using their chatbots after serious incidents linked to emotional problems. Most teens have mixed feelings about AI’s future effects on society.
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Vocabulary List:
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Emotional/ɪˈmoʊ.ʃən.əl/adjective
Relating to feelings or the expression of feelings.
Connection/kəˈnɛk.ʃən/noun
A relationship or link between people or things.
Incidents/ˈɪn.sɪ.dənts/noun
Events or occurrences especially when they are unusual or important.
Casual/ˈkæʒ.u.əl/adjective
Relaxed and unconcerned; informal.
Support/səˈpɔrt/verb
To provide assistance or encouragement to someone.