Prior research has shown that Black teens are more likely to use social media and artificial intelligence (AI) than their peers. A new report from the Pew Research Center takes a deeper look at this topic, examining differences in how Black, Hispanic, and White teens use AI chatbots and their confidence in the technology.
In a large survey of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17, the report found that about six out of every ten Black and Hispanic teens use AI chatbots to search for information and get help with schoolwork, compared to about half of White teens. Black and Hispanic teens are also more likely than their White peers to say they have used chatbots for fun and entertainment; to summarize articles, books, or videos; to create or edit images or videos; or for casual conversation.
Notably, nearly three out of every ten Black teens use chatbots to get news, compared to 20 percent of Hispanic teens and 15 percent of White teens. More than one-fifth of Black teens say they have used the technology to get emotional support or advice, compared to 13 percent of Hispanic teens and 8 percent of White teens.
Among students who have used AI chatbots to help with their schoolwork, 38 percent of Black teens and 32 percent of Hispanic teens say the technology has been extremely or very helpful, compared to 22 percent of White teens. Furthermore, 18 percent of Black teens and 16 percent of Hispanic teens say AI chatbots help with all or most of their schoolwork, compared to only 6 percent of their White peers.
Black teens are also significantly more confident in using AI chatbots than their peers. Some 37 percent of Black teens say they are extremely or very confident using the technology, compared to 26 percent of Hispanic teens and 23 percent of White teens.
