OpenAI says teens use ChatGPT for under 15 minutes a day as worries over risks grow

OpenAI released its first report on teen usage of ChatGPT on Wednesday, revealing that the average age group spends less than 15 minutes per day on the chatbot. Less than 2% of teens utilize the platform for over three hours straight, according to the figures. The release of this report comes as technology companies face increasing scrutiny over the potential risks associated with AI chatbots and their impact on children's mental health and developmental safety.

The concerns have been further amplified by research highlighting the adverse effects of social media on young users, with Meta agreeing to pay up to $18 billion and limit teens' access to Facebook and Instagram to settle claims that the platforms were designed to become addictive to children.

In an effort to address these concerns, OpenAI shared that in nearly half of the teen conversations where a break reminder appeared, the user either took a break or ended the chat within five minutes. This statistic aims to demonstrate that OpenAI's efforts to regulate teen usage are yielding positive results. The company further noted that users with access to its dedicated teen version engaged in more education-related conversations and utilized tools such as learning visualizations and Study Mode.

OpenAI is now seeking to further refine its strategies to ensure the safe and responsible use of ChatGPT among teenagers.