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Nearly Two-Thirds of Teens and Tweens Use AI Chatbots

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Technology Desk

In Short: New research shows that nearly two-thirds of teens and tweens are using AI chatbots, often for homework and emotional support.

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A new survey by Common Sense Media reveals that nearly two-thirds of teens and tweens are using AI chatbots, often for homework and emotional support. The survey found that AI use starts early, years before kids hit the minimum age of 13 on most popular chatbots [1].

According to the Pew Research Center, about half of American adults report using AI-powered chatbots, with 42% of users saying they use it to search for information [9]. The other survey, done by the mental health advocacy group JED Foundation, found that 90% of the 5,500 9-to-17-year-olds in schools across the country have used an AI chatbot [24].

Arjun Sharda, a 15-year-old from Round Rock, Texas, said, 'I use it to make myself practice sample questions – sample test questions that I will answer with my own work,' highlighting the dual purpose of these tools for both academic and emotional support [22].

The research also shows that nearly half of 9-to-12-year-olds have used an AI chatbot or companion, indicating that the trend is not limited to older teens [23].

Researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School have produced the most comprehensive portrait to date of the ‘average’ human genome, drawn from the whole-genome sequences of nearly 900,000 adults in two large research biobanks: UK Biobank and the US-based All of Us program [4].

Professor Caroline Wright, corresponding author of the study, said, 'Whole genome sequencing has become such an important tool in diagnosing genetic disease, and we’re increasingly moving towards genetic screening for predicting disease,' emphasizing the growing importance of genetic research [25].

In the realm of politics, a new poll shows James Talarico now leads Ken Paxton 51% to 45% in a Texas Senate race, a six-point swing from their June tie [19]. This latest survey, taken from Sept. 21 to Sept. 30 among 615 Texas voters, shows Talarico with the edge and sits outside the survey’s 4.5% margin of error, making the shift hard to ignore even before ballots start moving [20].

Research also shows that in the first 285 days of Donald Trump’s second presidency, seven conservative organizations had hundreds of their recommendations implemented [12].

Background

A new survey by Common Sense Media reveals that nearly two-thirds of teens and tweens are using AI chatbots, often for homework and emotional support.

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