Common Sense Media’s 2024 report, “Teen and Young Adult Perspectives on Generative AI: Patterns of Use, Excitements, and Concerns”, explores how youth aged 14–22 interact with generative AI. The findings reveal a nuanced picture of both enthusiasm and apprehension around AI’s role in education, creativity, and society.
Generative AI Usage Among Teens
While 51% of young people have tried generative AI tools, only 4% report daily use. Key use cases include:
- Information retrieval (53%)
- Brainstorming ideas (51%)
- Homework and academic support (46%)
The study notes that Black and Latinx youth show higher engagement levels compared to white youth, suggesting cultural and access-driven dynamics in AI usage.
What Excites Youth About Generative AI
Students praise AI for boosting creativity and access to learning tools. Many view it as a transformative force on par with the internet. Notable benefits include:
- Customized learning experiences
- Easy access to creative tools for music, art, and writing
- Faster completion of academic and personal tasks
Top Concerns: Privacy, Ethics, and Bias
Despite the promise, there are widespread concerns:
- Perceived lack of usefulness (34% of non-users)
- Fears around cheating and academic integrity (24%)
- Data privacy and misinformation risks (22%)
LGBTQ+ and minority teens expressed stronger concerns about AI bias and urged for more transparency and inclusive development practices.
Why This Report Matters
This research offers essential insights for educators, policymakers, and technology developers aiming to shape youth-facing AI responsibly. Key takeaways include:
- Embedding ethical literacy into AI education
- Designing AI tools that reflect diverse cultural experiences
- Promoting transparency and equitable access to AI technologies
“Generative AI offers huge potential for youth creativity and learning, but only if it’s built and deployed with safety, fairness, and inclusion at the forefront.”— Common Sense Media 2024 Report
For more insights into AI and education, read our interview with Andres Bazzurro on personal productivity tools for students.
To explore how startups are building safe and creative AI tools, see our feature on Naria’s AI storytelling for children and families.
For full access to the report, visit the official website: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/