American teenagers are increasingly concerned about the potential risks of artificial intelligence, with 80% of respondents in a recent poll believing it is important for lawmakers to address these risks. The poll, conducted by the Center for Youth and AI and YouGov, surveyed 1,017 U.S. teens aged 13 to 18 in late July and early August. This level of concern about AI rivals long-standing issues like social inequality and climate change, highlighting the significance that young people place on this emerging technology.
The poll results provide insight into how today’s teens are thinking about technology, which has been a significant part of their lives from an early age. Saheb Gulati, a 17-year-old co-founder of the Center for Youth and AI, believes that the unique perspective of young people is due to their upbringing with digital technology. This generation has grappled with questions about the societal impacts of technology more than older generations, shaping their views on the importance of addressing AI risks.
While there has been research on how young people are using AI in various contexts, such as schoolwork assistance or cheating, the poll aims to delve deeper into teens’ thoughts on AI and its role in their future. Rachel Hanebutt, an assistant professor at Georgetown University’s Thrive Center, notes that previous studies may have been more superficial and less focused on teens’ perspectives on AI. The poll findings offer valuable insights into how young people perceive AI and its implications for their lives.
The survey results reveal that nearly half of the respondents are concerned about AI taking over jobs, while about a third worry about the impact of AI on personal privacy. These concerns reflect the widespread apprehension among teens about the potential consequences of AI technology. The poll also highlights the importance of addressing these issues through policy measures, as indicated by the high percentage of teens who view AI risks as a priority for lawmakers.
Overall, the poll underscores the growing importance of AI in the lives of American teenagers and the need for policymakers to address the associated risks. By prioritizing the concerns of young people and engaging them in discussions about AI, lawmakers can better understand the perspectives of the next generation and work towards creating a responsible and ethical framework for the development and deployment of artificial intelligence. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial to involve young people in shaping the future of AI to ensure that it aligns with their values and priorities.
