New youth research identifies signs of AI dependency

By Laura Zimmermann, PhD

Director, Youth AI Research

On Monday we published new research in our first Common Sense Media Census focused specifically on AI use by kids 9 to 17 in the U.S. This survey explores how young people are using AI today, including how often they are using AI products, what they're using them for, and with what guidance from parents and schools. The report has valuable data for parents and caregivers, educators, policymakers, and more.

But one thing stands out in particular: It's one of the first times we've gotten data on signs of dependency among children who use AI the most.

The majority of kids (80%) said it would not be hard if they had to stop using AI for a month. However, for kids who use AI daily, 42% say it would be tough to go a month without AI. Among kids who use AI for homework help (85%), 16% say they have difficulty starting or finishing their homework when they can't use AI. And 28% of kids who use AI for homework on a daily basis say it's hard when they can't use it.

Another fact stood out in the data: Kids are turning to AI for personal questions. More than half of kids (57%) are using AI to get advice about their health or body. Older kids are using AI for this purpose more often (9- to 12-year-olds: 42%, 13- to 15-year-olds: 60%, and 16- to 17-year-olds: 75%). While most kids say they would choose to go to a trusted adult first when they have questions about their health or body (73%), about 1 in 10 (12%) would turn to an AI chatbot before an adult—a figure that rises to 27% among kids who use AI daily.

While AI has the ability to assist young people in a wide range of tasks, the survey raises important questions about what society wants kids and teens to learn to do for themselves or with support from a trusted adult, particularly during a developmental period when habits and skills are still being formed.