Megan Harper
Common Sense Media’s 2024 Report, “Teen and Young Adult Perspectives on Generative AI: Patterns of Use, Excitements, and Concerns,” dives deep into how young people aged 14–22 engage with generative AI. This research highlights the dual-edged nature of AI, exploring its potential to transform education, creativity, and connection while addressing privacy, ethical, and societal challenges.
Key Findings
🌟 AI Use and Popularity
• 51% of young people have used generative AI, but daily use remains rare at just 4%.
• Primary applications include getting information (53%), brainstorming ideas (51%), and schoolwork assistance (46%). Black and Latinx youth report higher engagement compared to their white peers.
💡 Excitements About AI
• Students appreciate AI’s ability to provide tailored learning assistance, spark creativity, and streamline tasks, with some comparing its significance to the advent of the internet.
• AI enhances creativity by enabling access to art, music, and writing tools, empowering users regardless of technical skill.
🔒 Concerns and Challenges
• 34% of non-users believe AI isn’t helpful, while others worry about ethical concerns like cheating (24%), data privacy (22%), and misinformation.
• LGBTQ+ and minority youth voiced greater concerns about bias and equity, calling for more transparent AI practices.
Why This Report Matters
This report provides a critical understanding of generative AI’s impact on youth:
• Insights into ethical concerns, opportunities for AI literacy, and the role of AI in bridging educational gaps.
• Calls for educators, policymakers, and tech developers to focus on inclusive, transparent, and safe AI integration.
For more information, visit: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
