American Teens Increasingly Misled by AI-Generated Fake Content, Study Finds
A new study by Common Sense Media reveals that American teenagers are struggling to distinguish between real and fake content online as AI-generated media becomes more prevalent.
The study, published Wednesday, surveyed 1,000 teens aged 13 to 18 and found that 35% had been deceived by fake content, while 41% had encountered real yet misleading information. Additionally, 22% admitted to sharing content that later turned out to be false.
The rise of generative AI tools has made it easier to create and distribute fake images, videos, and text, fueling misinformation across social media platforms. Despite AI’s increasing popularity—seven in 10 teens have tried generative AI—many remain skeptical about Big Tech’s role in AI governance. Nearly half of the surveyed teens said they do not trust companies like Google, Apple, Meta, TikTok, and Microsoft to handle AI responsibly.
The study also highlights growing concerns over the reliability of digital platforms. Since acquiring Twitter, now X, Elon Musk has reduced content moderation efforts, leading to increased misinformation. Meanwhile, Meta has replaced third-party fact-checkers with Community Notes, a move critics argue could contribute to the spread of false information.
Researchers suggest that educating teenagers on misinformation and enhancing digital transparency are key to addressing this issue. The report urges tech companies to implement stronger credibility features to ensure trustworthy online content.
With AI technology rapidly evolving, experts stress the importance of critical media literacy to help teens navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.
