In a surprising shift, teens—once considered the most enthusiastic adopters of new technology—are growing increasingly skeptical of Big Tech's promises, particularly around AI and online safety. A new study by Common Sense Media (CSM) reveals that a significant number of U.S. teens no longer trust major tech companies to protect their digital well-being.
Distrust in Big Tech Runs Deep
The study, based on a survey of 1,045 teens aged 13 to 18, paints a clear picture:
- 64% of teens believe tech companies won’t safeguard their online well-being.
- 62% doubt that Big Tech prioritizes user safety over profits.
- 53% don’t trust tech giants to act ethically when designing new products.
This distrust extends to data privacy, with 52% of respondents skeptical that companies will keep their personal information secure. Additionally, 51% doubt Big Tech’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in product development.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword for Teens
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, teens are wary of its potential risks. Nearly 47% of surveyed teens don’t believe Big Tech will make responsible decisions about AI implementation. Alarmingly, 39% of teens who’ve used generative AI for school assignments reported encountering inaccuracies and misinformation.
However, teens aren’t just pointing out problems—they’re demanding solutions:
- 70% support stricter privacy protections and transparency in AI services.
- 73% want companies to clearly label or watermark AI-generated content.
The Bigger Picture: Teens as Active Digital Citizens
Researchers argue that teens are far from passive consumers in the digital world. They’re actively navigating the challenges posed by AI-generated content, data privacy concerns, and profit-driven practices in tech. The findings highlight a growing desire among young users for ethical technology and greater corporate accountability.
CSM believes this research offers valuable insights for parents, educators, and policymakers to foster healthier digital environments. As teens become more vocal about their concerns, Big Tech faces increasing pressure to not just innovate, but to build trust with the very generation they aim to engage.
News Source: TechSpot
