Is Your Teen Using Generative AI?

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Some Teens Get It. Most Don’t.

AI is everywhere in the business world, but for teens, it’s still just getting started. Sure, 81% of teens know about at least one AI tool, but only 41% have heard of ChatGPT, the top AI tool today. Fewer still are familiar with other tools like Gemini or DALL-E.


When it comes to actually using these tools, the numbers are even lower. 40% of teens have tried ChatGPT, 17% have used Gemini, and almost no one is trying out the rest.


This gap is surprising, especially considering how fast AI is advancing. Google's Gemini 1.0 models—including Gemini Ultra, Pro, and Nano—represent the cutting edge. These models aren’t just powerful; they’re practical, being integrated into tools like Google Docs, where users can now generate in-line images with simple text prompts. Gemini Ultra even achieved a state-of-the-art score of 59.4% on the MMLU benchmark, showing just how far AI has come in handling text and multitask language understanding.


And then there’s Elon Musk’s Colossus, one of the world’s most powerful AI supercomputers, powered by 100,000 NVIDIA H100 GPUs. Musk’s AI company, xAI, is using it to train advanced models like Grok, a chatbot designed to compete with the best in the field. With such enormous computing power, Colossus is set to drive innovation in AI applications across industries.


For teens, however, the focus is still on the basics: homework help, tutoring, and writing assistance. A smaller group uses AI for creative tasks like visual art or exploring new activities. Some even use it for companionship, chatting with bots like Alexa or Siri to pass the time.


But here’s what’s missing: exploration and problem-solving. Teens aren’t yet leveraging AI to its full potential—whether for planning, learning new skills, or asking for advice on everyday matters like fashion or travel. A full 25% of teens haven’t used AI at all.


Parents might find this reassuring, but the world is changing quickly. With tools like Gemini shaping how businesses operate and Colossus pushing AI innovation to new heights, AI is already part of the music, video games, and TV shows teens love. It’s becoming a skillset as essential as knowing how to use a smartphone.


The time is now to prepare teens for this shift. They need tools, courses, and experiences that teach them to:


  • Use AI to explore post-secondary options
  • Leverage AI for creative projects
  • Understand how AI integrates into careers and industries
  • Evaluate AI outputs for accuracy and bias
  • Define ethical and responsible AI use


The future won’t wait. If teens don’t get familiar with AI today, they’ll be playing catch-up tomorrow. It’s not just about knowing AI exists—it’s about knowing how to use it well.

© 2025 Stephen Bray. Patterns in life and business — told simply.