HCC: Small: Understanding How Teens Use Generative AI Agents

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $437,397 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Teenagers are increasingly using tools that depend on generative artificial intelligence (generative AI). Social media companies are rapidly integrating generative AI into their platforms to create agents that they describe as assistants, companions, and coaches. However, research on how the use of generative AI agents affects teen well-being lags behind teens' exposure to these systems. In this project, the research team will study how teens are interacting with generative AI agents today and how this use impacts teens' well-being. The team will also explore how technology designers can use this knowledge to create more useful, safer generative AI agents for teens. The contributions of this work will include new scientific understanding of how teens are using generative AI and new guidance for maximizing the benefits of these systems for young people. The research is organized around three main activities. In the first activity, the team will recruit teenagers who use generative AI who are willing to share selected parts of their interactions with these systems. Through analyzing the chat histories and using them to guide personalized interviews with teenagers, the team will develop a nuanced understanding of what kinds of conversations teens have with generative AI systems that impact their well-being. In the second activity, the team will ask therapists who work with teens to themselves interact with generative AI systems and review findings from the first study. This

Key facts

NSF award ID
2452849
Awardee
University of Washington (WA)
SAM.gov UEI
HD1WMN6945W6
PI
Alexis Hiniker
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
SaTC: Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace, Human factors for security research, Cyber-Human Systems, CNCI, SMALL PROJECT
Estimated total
$437,397
Funds obligated
$437,397
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2028