Big Tech is losing its grip on America’s youth. A fresh report reveals that most U.S. teens have little faith in major tech companies like Google, Apple, Meta, and TikTok. The study, conducted by Common Sense Media, surveyed over 1,000 teens and found widespread concerns about privacy, ethics, and the use of AI.
Nearly two-thirds of teens (64%) don’t believe these companies care about their mental health or well-being. Another 62% think profits come before their safety. Over half doubt tech giants make ethical design choices, and 52% are skeptical about their ability to protect personal data. Even AI isn’t off the hook—47% of teens don’t trust these companies to use AI responsibly.
This growing distrust isn’t surprising. Over the years, Big Tech has faced scandals ranging from data breaches to accusations of harmful algorithms. Teens may not follow every headline, but the cumulative impact is clear: they’re wary of the companies shaping their digital lives.
AI adds another layer of uncertainty. Around 41% of teens say they’ve been tricked by fake images online, and 35% have fallen for misleading content. A third believe AI will make it harder to trust information online, especially those who’ve already been duped by fake material. Many teens are calling for clearer safeguards, like labeling AI-generated content and compensating creators whose data is used.