Pew Research Center released findings in February 2026 showing significant demographic disparities in teen use of AI tools, particularly chatbots. Black and Hispanic teens report higher rates of AI tool use for schoolwork compared to White peers, including using chatbots to summarize content and create or edit images. The research reveals that access to and adoption of AI tools is not uniformly distributed across demographic groups, creating differential pathways for developing AI literacy during formative years.
Published by: Pew Research Center (nonpartisan polling and research organisation)
Key finding: About 60% of Black or Hispanic teens have used chatbots for schoolwork, compared to roughly 50% of White teens; Black and Hispanic teens are more likely to use chatbots for content summarization and image generation than White peers.
Context: Differential adoption during adolescence compounds over time. If some teens are developing practical AI experience and proficiency earlier than others based on demographic background, the knowledge and skill advantage accumulated by age 18 will create structural inequality in college readiness and early career positioning. This suggests that without intentional equity measures, existing educational disparities will deepen as AI becomes central to academic and professional work.