A new report from Common Sense Media, a nonprofit dedicated to media and technology reviews, reveals a growing distrust among American teenagers toward major tech companies, including Google, Apple, Meta, TikTok, and Microsoft. The study surveyed over 1,000 teens to gauge their opinions on whether these companies prioritize user well-being, make ethical choices, and protect private data. In all cases, the majority of respondents expressed skepticism.
Declining Trust in Major Tech Companies
According to the report, nearly half of teens expressed little to no confidence that tech companies would make responsible decisions regarding AI. This mistrust has been mounting for years, fueled by high-profile scandals such as government mass data collection (2013), the Cambridge Analytica data scandal, and revelations from Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen in 2021. Additionally, multiple Congressional hearings have highlighted issues related to app safety, antitrust concerns, and harmful algorithms.
In 2024, the controversy continued as top tech CEOs made $1 million donations to former President Trump’s inaugural fund, raising questions about their motivations. Even among those aligned with Trump, the tech leaders’ apparent reversal from prior criticisms has drawn scrutiny.
Teens’ Concerns About AI and Online Information
The report indicates that 64% of surveyed teens do not believe Big Tech prioritizes their mental health and well-being, while 62% doubt that these companies would protect their safety if it conflicted with profit motives. Over half (53%) believe major tech firms do not make ethical design decisions, citing the use of deceptive user interface patterns. Additionally, 52% do not trust companies to keep their personal data safe, and 51% question whether Big Tech considers the needs of diverse user groups.
The rapid advancement of AI has compounded these concerns. The study found that 47% of teens doubt that tech companies will responsibly handle AI development. Common Sense Media’s prior research into generative AI adoption among teenagers underscores the impact AI is having on digital trust and the media landscape.
The Rise of Misinformation and AI’s Role
Fake and misleading content has become a significant concern, with 41% of surveyed teens reporting being deceived by fake images online and 35% by false digital content in general. More than a quarter (28%) have questioned whether they were interacting with a human or a bot. A third of teens believe generative AI will make it even harder to trust online information, a figure that rises to 40% among those previously misled.
AI’s Impact on Education and Privacy Concerns
Despite AI’s authoritative tone, many teens have noticed inaccuracies in AI-generated content. When using AI for schoolwork, 39% reported encountering errors in AI responses. The study also found strong support for privacy and transparency in AI, with 74% of teens advocating for privacy safeguards and disclosure policies. Similarly, 73% believe AI-generated content should be labeled and watermarked, and 61% think content creators should be compensated when AI uses their data.
The Future of AI and Teen Perspectives
As AI continues to evolve, distrust in technology may also shift. Currently, 35% of teens believe generative AI will make it harder to verify online information—a number that may fluctuate as AI adoption and literacy increase. However, for now, the skepticism among American teens toward Big Tech and AI remains a pressing issue that demands greater transparency and accountability from major technology companies.
