Artificial intelligence chatbots have become a standard part of daily life for American youth, according to two new surveys released this week. The data indicates that nearly two-thirds of tweens and teens now use these tools, with usage rates climbing sharply as children get older.
One survey conducted by the online safety advocacy group Common Sense Media found that AI use begins well before the minimum age of 13 required by most popular platforms. Nearly half of children aged 9 to 12 have already interacted with an AI chatbot or companion. By the time kids reach age 13, that figure jumps to nearly three-quarters.
Widespread Adoption for School and Companionship
The second survey, led by the mental health advocacy group JED Foundation, polled 5,500 students aged 9 to 17 across the United States. It found that 90 percent of respondents had used an AI chatbot. Nearly two-thirds of those students reported using the technology for both academic assistance and as a source of companionship or emotional support during times of stress, loneliness, or anxiety.
For many students, the technology serves as a practical study aid. Fifteen-year-old Arjun Sharda from Round Rock, Texas, uses both OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini to practice sample test questions and understand classroom concepts. He notes that he prefers Gemini for its ability to help him grasp difficult material outside of school hours.
Seventeen-year-old McKenzie Craig from Raynham, Massachusetts, has relied on chatbots since eighth grade. She uses the tools to prioritize overwhelming task lists and to grade her essays. By running her writing through AI tools, she receives immediate feedback that allows her to edit her work before submission.
However, the line between academic help and emotional crutch often blurs. Sharda admitted that he and his friends turn to chatbots when facing academic pressure. He recalled asking ChatGPT for reassurance before a chemistry test, seeking validation that his grades would remain stable despite his fear of failure.
Correlation with Poorer Mental Health Outcomes
While the utility of AI for education is clear, the JED Foundation survey highlighted a concerning link between AI usage and mental well-being. Researchers analyzed student responses regarding their overall well-being, history of suicidal ideation, and attempts. They found that young people who use AI during periods of emotional distress are more likely to report poor mental health outcomes.
Kayla Anderson, vice president of research and evaluation at the JED Foundation, stated that the data shows a correlation between AI use in times of distress and indicators of poor mental health. She emphasized that the data does not prove causation. It remains unclear whether AI use contributes to declining mental health or if students already experiencing distress are simply more likely to seek out AI assistance.
Developmental psychologist Anne Maheux at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, described the rapid adoption of these tools as remarkable. She noted that just a few years ago, AI was not a common part of youth culture. Now, the number of kids using AI for homework is roughly equal to the number using it for emotional coping.
Maheux and her colleagues have conducted preliminary studies suggesting the relationship may be bidirectional. In a soon-to-be-published study of middle schoolers, they found that students who used chatbots for companionship grew lonelier over time. Similar results appeared in studies of young adults, where overreliance on AI to solve emotional or cognitive problems was linked to worsening mental health.
One potential explanation is that while AI provides immediate relief from loneliness or anxiety, it prevents young people from developing the skills needed to tolerate and navigate normal daily stresses. Instead of building resilience, reliance on the technology may exacerbate underlying mental health challenges.
As AI integration in education and social life continues to expand, experts urge a closer look at how these tools affect long-term emotional development. The current data suggests that while AI offers immediate support, it may not be a sustainable solution for the mental health needs of the next generation.
Source: NPR
