Research Brief: Teens, Trust, and Technology in the Age of AI
January 29, 2025
In an era when artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in everyday life, teens are navigating complex challenges around trust, authenticity, and online safety. This new research brief examines how U.S. teens age 13–18 experience and perceive trust online in the age of generative AI.
What makes this report particularly significant is the data that captures critical insights for parents, educators, and policymakers who are working to shape and understand healthy technology consumption while protecting the well-being of young people. Our nationally representative survey of over 1,000 teens reveals that young people are already grappling with the impact of AI on their ability to trust online content. Over a third of them say they've been misled by fake content online.
The research also uncovers a significant trust deficit between teens and major technology companies. About six in 10 teens express doubt that tech companies will prioritize their mental health and well-being over profits, and nearly half lack confidence in these companies' ability to make responsible decisions about AI use.
However, teens are not passive observers in this rapidly evolving landscape. They're actively advocating for stronger safeguards around AI technology, with nearly three-quarters supporting measures like privacy protections, content warnings, and labeling of AI-generated content.
These findings highlight the urgent need for a multi-stakeholder approach to fostering trust and digital literacy. This includes not just tech companies and policymakers, but also educators, parents, and youth themselves. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of generative AI, it's crucial that we equip young people with the skills to "investigate, not doubt" while working to create more transparent, trustworthy digital spaces that truly serve their interests.