Teens are using AI—but not how we think

Pew Research Center study finds demographic differences in how teens view and use AI chatbots

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:34pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration featuring various cybernetic hardware components and infrastructure, illuminated by neon cyan and magenta lights, conveying the complex and multifaceted ways teens are engaging with AI technology.Teens' diverse experiences with AI chatbots reveal generational insights that challenge assumptions about the technology's impact.Brookings Today

A recent Pew Research Center study found that while most American teens say they are using AI chatbots primarily to search for information and help with schoolwork, there are notable demographic differences in how they view and use the technology. The study also revealed that teens are more likely to say AI will have a positive impact on them personally, while fewer report a positive outlook on its impact on society.

Why it matters

The study provides important insights into how teens, a key demographic at the forefront of emerging technologies, are navigating the rise of AI. It highlights the diversity of teen experiences with AI and raises questions about the implications of these demographic differences, especially as AI becomes an increasingly prevalent part of daily life.

The details

The Pew Research Center survey found that a majority of teens (56%) say they use AI chatbots to search for information, while over half (52%) use them to get help with schoolwork. Smaller shares use chatbots for more personal reasons, such as casual conversations (16%) or to get emotional support or advice (10%). The study also revealed significant demographic differences, with Black and Hispanic teens more likely than white teens to say they use chatbots for schoolwork and to view AI's impact positively. Additionally, lower-income teens were more likely than higher-income peers to say AI has been helpful for their schoolwork.

  • The Pew Research Center survey was conducted in 2026.

The players

Pew Research Center

A nonpartisan American think tank that provides information on social issues, public opinion, and demographic trends shaping the United States and the world.

Nicol Turner Lee

Senior fellow and director of the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution, who co-hosted the discussion on the Pew Research Center's findings.

Monica Anderson

Director of Internet and Technology Research at Pew Research Center and author of the report on how teens in the U.S. use AI.

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What they’re saying

“Teens have really insightful and thoughtful things to say when it comes to the way that technology might be impacting them and society, and perhaps in some ways that us older folks don't quite get yet.”

— Monica Anderson, Director of Internet and Technology Research, Pew Research Center

“This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.”

— Nicol Turner Lee, Senior fellow and director of the Center for Technology Innovation, Brookings Institution

What’s next

Pew Research Center plans to continue monitoring how teens use and view AI through annual surveys, in order to track changes in their experiences and perspectives over time.

The takeaway

The Pew Research Center study provides valuable insights into the diverse ways teens are engaging with AI, challenging assumptions and highlighting the need to center youth voices in discussions about the impacts of emerging technologies. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, understanding these demographic differences will be crucial for policymakers, educators, and technology developers to ensure equitable access and outcomes.