Students Are Using AI Already. Here’s What They Think Adults Should Know

“The world is changing.”

That’s the big takeaway from a new report on teen and young adult perspectives on generative artificial intelligence (AI) co-authored by the Center for Digital Thriving, one of the Ed School’s emerging research and innovation labs housed at Project Zero. According to the report, students have quickly developed habits, concerns, and opinions about AI and how its use impacts learning and the world at large.

For the report, Teen and Young Adult Perspectives on Generative AI, written in partnership with Common Sense Media and Hopelab, two different studies were conducted and used: the first a large national survey of digital technology and youth mental health.

The report’s second survey, which will be published in full at a later date, included an open-ended question asking more than 1,500 teens ages 13 to 17 to describe one thing they wanted adults — both parents and teachers — to know about how teens use AI. Some major areas were highlighted in their responses, listed below, including their concerns about the technology and its impact.

AI Is Not Only Used to Cheat
Of the teens surveyed, many admitted to using AI to cheat on assignments, homework, or tests. But while academic integrity remains a concern for both adults and teens alike, many study participants highlighted positive academic experiences they’ve had with generative AI. AI was called “the modern approach to learning,” while other teens surveyed pointed out that “not all kids use it to cheat in school.”

Reflecting insights heard from teens and young adults about their excitement for the future of generative AI, teens also wanted adults to know they can be trusted to, as one participant wrote, “use it in a good way,” such as asking for help starting papers or to create an individualized learning plan.

AI Helps with Getting Answers for Unasked Questions
In the report’s quantitative study, half (51%) of young people ages 14–22 reported using generative AI at some point, but only 4% claimed to be daily users. The most commonly reported use for AI was getting information (53%) and brainstorming (51%). The study also noted that Black and Latinx young people were “significantly more likely” to use AI than others surveyed. Many noted generative AI can help teens get answers to questions they may be too afraid to ask adults, or for guidance on what to say in conversations. 

While hallucinations and the risk of incorrect information dissemination remains a serious concern of generative AI models, many study participants said they use generative AI platforms and get answers for important questions they may be afraid to ask the adults in their lives.

“Parents should know that AI gives teens advice on any subject that it is asked, appropriate or not,” warned one teen surveyed.

AI Is a Space to Explore and Create
One of the most positive things about generative AI was its potential for creativity and exploration. Many participants reported using AI for fun or to be creative. Of generative AI users ages 14–22 surveyed, 31% said they use it to “make pictures or images,” while 16% “make sounds or music” and 15% say they use it to write code.

Teens think adults should know that generative AI offers “a way to show my creative style,” while other creative outlets included writing lyrics to songs and making digital art.

AI Can Lead to Bullying, Lying, and Disinformation
While some surveyed noted that generative AI can be a safe space for companionship and comfort, many others stressed the potential AI-related harms of bullying. “You can use it to take someone’s voice and make it sound like they’re saying something they didn’t say,” wrote one survey participant.

A number of teens surveyed described examples of using generative tools to create voices and images that can be used to enhance bullying in and out of school. Teens said adults should be aware these “deep fakes” can even be used against them, with some students mimicking their parents’ voices with AI to trick teachers, school administrators, or their other parent.

AI Can be Both Positive and Negative
Teens surveyed were acutely aware of both the potential and fears of generative AI, with 41% saying its development will likely have both positive and negative impacts on their lives in the next 10 years. Specific demographics were particularly sensitive to its dangers, as LGBTQ+ teens are much more likely to say generative AI will have a “mostly negative” impact on their life (28%) than cisgender/straight young people (17%) surveyed.

Across demographics, those surveyed also expressed fears about AI’s impact on their future job markets, especially the creative pursuits they mentioned above. They also highlighted potential privacy concerns, and generative AI’s use to create and spread misinformation and disinformation.