Additional Coverage:
- Majority of young adults say they are ‘more concerned than excited’ about AI: Pew Research (foxnews.com)
A recent Pew Research survey reveals that a majority of young adults in the United States now feel more concerned than excited about the expanding presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life. Among adults aged 18 to 29, 55% expressed greater worry about AI’s impact, compared to just 11% who remain optimistic. This marks a significant change since 2021, when only 31% of young adults reported more concern than enthusiasm toward the technology.
This cautious outlook is not limited to younger generations; overall, 52% of U.S. adults share these apprehensions. The prevailing unease centers largely on AI’s potential effects on employment. The survey found that 71% of Americans believe AI will reduce the number of jobs available in the country over the next 20 years, while only 5% foresee an increase in job opportunities.
In addition to employment concerns, many young adults worry that AI could hamper creativity and diminish human connection. Although many report using AI chatbots, they are just as likely to say these tools hinder their creativity as to say they help it.
There is also growing anxiety about AI’s influence on children and teenagers. Some experts warn that excessive use of AI chatbots may negatively affect youth development. Notably, a lawsuit filed in San Francisco last year alleges that the chatbot ChatGPT played a role in a teenager’s suicide, marking one of the first legal cases linking AI to such a tragic outcome.
In response to these concerns, AI developers including OpenAI have introduced enhanced safety features. These include parental controls, age verification systems, and mechanisms to detect signs of self-harm. On Tuesday, OpenAI announced the upcoming launch of “ChatGPT for Teens,” a dedicated platform designed specifically for users aged 13 to 17.
Developed in collaboration with Stanford University, this new version aims to support academic work without providing direct answers, promoting collaborative problem-solving instead. Features will include quizzes, responsible homework reminders, and a “Study Hours” mode that can be scheduled by teens or their parents.
The platform will also implement stricter safeguards against harmful content and behaviors, such as self-harm, violence, eating disorders, and explicit material, ensuring age-appropriate interventions.
As AI continues to evolve and integrate into daily life, these developments reflect a growing effort to balance the technology’s benefits with the need for safety and responsible use, particularly among younger users.