A recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that social media and AI chatbots are integral to the lives of U.S. teens, despite mixed feelings regarding their impact. Conducted from September 25 to October 9, 2025, the study involved 1,458 participants aged 13 to 17 and highlights the evolving digital landscape for this demographic.
Approximately two-thirds of the respondents reported using AI chatbots, with about 30% engaging with them daily. These platforms, alongside popular social media sites, are a significant part of teens’ daily routines. YouTube remains the most widely used platform, with nearly 90% of teens reporting they have used it. TikTok and Instagram follow closely, each with more than 60% usage, while Snapchat is frequented by about 55% of teens. In contrast, Facebook and WhatsApp have seen declines, with only 31% and 24% of teens using them, respectively.
The survey’s findings indicate a stable yet changing online landscape for teens. WhatsApp has increased in popularity, rising from 17% to 25% usage since 2022. However, platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) are on the decline, with usage among teens dropping from 33% for X in 2014 to just 16% today and Facebook falling from 71% to 31% in the same timeframe.
Demographic factors play a significant role in platform preferences. For instance, teen girls are more likely to use Instagram and Snapchat than boys, while boys tend to gravitate towards Reddit and are slightly more active on YouTube. Racial and ethnic differences also emerge, with Black teens showing higher usage rates for platforms like Instagram and TikTok compared to their White and Hispanic peers. Additionally, older teens, particularly those aged 15 to 17, are more active on almost all platforms than their younger counterparts.
AI Interaction and Internet Usage
As AI technology becomes more integrated into daily life, the survey reveals that a majority of teens are embracing chatbots. The most commonly used chatbot is ChatGPT, utilized by 59% of respondents, significantly outpacing other options like Gemini and Meta AI, which have 23% and 20% usage respectively. Notably, Black and Hispanic teens are more inclined to use chatbots than their White peers, with 70% of Black teens reporting usage.
In terms of frequency, about 30% of teens engage with chatbots daily, including 16% who use them several times a day or nearly constantly. This daily interaction is higher among older teens and varies by income level; those from higher-income households are more likely to use ChatGPT compared to their lower-income peers.
The study also highlights that nearly all teens (97%) use the internet daily, with 40% stating they are almost constantly online. This marks a notable increase from previous years, reflecting a dramatic shift in how teens engage with digital content. Black and Hispanic teens report being online almost constantly at rates significantly higher than their White peers.
The Pew Research Center’s findings underscore an era where social media and AI are not just tools but critical components of social interaction and information access for teens. As these technologies evolve, the implications for social dynamics, education, and personal development among young users will likely be significant. Understanding these patterns will be essential as parents, educators, and policymakers navigate the future of technology in the lives of adolescents.
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