Risks and Harms of Conversational Artificial Intelligence (CAI) Chatbot Use Among US Youth

ABSTRACT Introduction Conversational AI (CAI) chatbots are widely used by adolescents for instruction, entertainment, companionship, and advice, but concerns persist that they may foster risky behaviors, spread harmful content, and elevate psychological risks. Given the limited research base, this study examined CAI chatbot use, motivations, and negative or unsafe experiences among US youth. Methods An anonymous online survey was administered to a nationally representative sample of 3466 US youth aged 13–17. Respondents reported frequency and intensity of CAI chatbot use, reasons for engagement, and experiences with harmful chatbot behaviors including dishonesty, pressure to reveal secrets, unsafe requests, inappropriate conversations, manipulation, misinformation, and promotion of self‐harm or violence (with group differences assessed via χ 2 tests). Results Over 60% of the sample reported using a CAI chatbot, with 11.4% doing so every day or nearly every day. Main reasons included entertainment (85%), friendship (60.1%), and advice (65.6%). Still, 32.3% were asked for uncomfortable personal information, 23.1% felt manipulated or pressured, 17.1% received false information, 18.7% were encouraged to act unethically or illegally, 15.2% were prompted to risky behaviors, and 14.7% and 13.0% were exposed to self‐harm and suicidal messages, respectively. Male, heterosexual, white, and younger (13‐year‐old) youth reported higher rates of most negative experiences. Conclusions CAI chatbot usage is common among US adolescents, with 47.1% reporting exposure to one or more specific risks and harms. These findings highlight the need for adaptive safety features, ongoing monitoring systems, and safeguards that promote the psychological and social well‐being of youth while addressing their developmental vulnerabilities.