Photo: Thai Liang Lim / E+ / Getty Images
A new survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that artificial intelligence chatbots have become a regular part of many U.S. teenagers' lives. Conducted from September 25 to October 9, 2025, the study involved 1,458 U.S. teens aged 13 to 17. It found that 64% of teens have used AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, with 28% using them daily.
The survey highlights the popularity of AI chatbots among teens, with ChatGPT being the most commonly used, followed by Google’s Gemini, Meta AI, Microsoft’s Copilot, Character.AI, and Anthropic’s Claude.
While AI chatbots are often marketed as tools for learning and schoolwork, some teens use them for companionship or even romantic interactions. This has raised concerns about their impact on mental health and exposure to inappropriate content. Some AI companies, like OpenAI and Character.AI, have faced lawsuits related to these issues, prompting them to implement parental controls and age restrictions.
Despite these concerns, AI companies continue to promote their chatbots for educational purposes. OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic have introduced tools for students and teachers, and they have partnered with teachers unions to create an AI instruction academy.
The survey also found that AI chatbot use is slightly higher among Black and Hispanic teens compared to White teens. Additionally, teens from higher-income households are more likely to use chatbots. As AI chatbots become more integrated into teens' daily lives, experts and parents continue to debate their benefits and potential risks.