Teens, Social Media, and AI Chatbots in 2025: What Pew’s New Report Tells Us and How PSA Worldwide Can Help

For today’s teens, the digital world isn’t something they visit. It’s where much of life happens.

Social media, messaging apps, and now AI chatbots shape how teens learn, connect, relax, and even process emotions. According to a new report from the Pew Research Center, Teens, Social Media and AI Chatbots 2025, technology is not just part of teen life — it’s foundational.

AI chatbots are computer programs designed to respond like humans by predicting language based on large amounts of data. While they can be useful tools for learning and creativity, they are not people and don’t replace real human connection or professional support. Guidance around healthy use is becoming increasingly important.

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What Pew Found: A Snapshot of Teen Digital Life

Pew surveyed 1,458 U.S. teens ages 13–17, and the findings confirm what many adults already sense: being online is the norm, not the exception.

Social media is nearly universal

• Almost all teens use YouTube.
• TikTok and Instagram remain central platforms, with more than half of teens using each regularly.
• Snapchat, Discord, WhatsApp, and Facebook continue to play supporting roles.

Many teens are “always on”

About one in five teens say they use TikTok or YouTube almost constantly.

AI chatbots are now mainstream

• 64 percent of teens have used an AI chatbot.
• Roughly 30 percent report daily use.

ChatGPT leads the pack

• 59 percent use ChatGPT.
• 23 percent use Google Gemini.
• 20 percent use Meta AI.

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Why This Matters

These findings aren’t meant to alarm. They help us understand the reality teens are navigating every day.

The positives

Digital tools can offer real benefits:

• Homework and learning support
• Creative outlets
• Low-pressure spaces to explore interests

The challenges

At the same time, research and youth-serving organizations are raising concerns about:

• Screen fatigue and constant social comparison
• Online anxiety and validation pressure
• Emotional overreliance on AI tools
• Blurred boundaries between digital and human connection

Organizations like Common Sense Media emphasize the importance of helping teens build balanced, informed relationships with technology.

Mental health experts, including the CDC, also point to the growing connection between adolescent mental health and digital behavior, underscoring the need for prevention-focused education.

Where PSA Worldwide Fits In

PSA Worldwide has a long history of turning research into practical, evidence-informed prevention tools. Pew’s findings highlight a growing need for digital wellness and AI literacy education that meets teens, families, and schools where they are.

Supporting teens

Teens benefit from clear, age-appropriate guidance on:

• Building healthy online habits
• Understanding how AI tools work
• Recognizing misinformation
• Identifying emotional fatigue tied to digital use

Supporting parents and educators

Parents and educators often feel outpaced by technology. Resources aligned with guidance from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics help adults start informed, productive conversations.

PSA Worldwide can support these efforts through:

• AI safety guides
• Conversation starters for families
• Training-ready resources for schools and youth programs

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Explore Digital Wellness & Prevention Resources

PSA Worldwide offers evidence-informed materials designed to help schools, families, and communities respond to emerging digital challenges facing today’s youth.

• Digital Wellness Resources
• Mental Health Prevention
• Youth Safety & Awareness

Explore Digital Wellness Resources

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Quick FAQs: Teens, Social Media, AI — and How PSA Worldwide Helps

How are teens using AI chatbots today?

Teens use AI for homework help, idea generation, and quick answers. Their conversational use of bots highlights the importance of guidance on when and how to use these tools healthily.

Does PSA Worldwide have materials that support healthy digital habits?

Yes. PSA offers customizable educational materials like pamphlets, educational displays, and guidebooks that can be tailored for digital wellness, just as they’ve long provided for other prevention topics.

Educational Support Materials | PSA Worldwide

How can parents and caregivers support balanced tech use?

Open, ongoing conversations help most. PSA’s family awareness products — like parenting tip pamphlets and “Talk to Kids About Cyberbullying” info cards — give concrete talking points and resources that support those discussions.

Family Awareness Products | PSA Worldwide

What can schools use to teach safe tech behavior?

PSA products such as banners, posters, wallet cards, and educational displays are designed to reinforce health and wellness messages. These can be adapted to cover digital habits and AI literacy alongside other prevention topics.

Educational Support Materials | PSA Worldwide