Nearly half of teenagers have seen AI-generated sexual content

Nearly half of teenagers have encountered explicit content generated by artificial intelligence, according to a new study highlighting how AI is reshaping how young people access sexual material online. The research, conducted by Common Sense Media with input from over 1,300 adolescents aged 13 to 17, found that almost half of respondents believed they had viewed such content created by generative AI. This includes deepfakes, nudified images, and other forms of synthetic media designed to mimic real human appearances. The findings reveal a growing concern around the accessibility of explicit content among youth. According to data from the same organization, nearly 75 percent of teens have encountered online pornography, with more than half encountering such content before turning 12. While the percentage of teens exposed to pornographic material has remained largely unchanged since 2023, the methods through which they access these materials have evolved significantly in the past three years. AI-generated content is increasingly becoming a common feature in the digital landscape that young people navigate. The study noted that applications allowing users to create nude images of themselves or others, often referred to as “nudification” tools, are widely available and easy to use. Nearly one in five participants reported having personally created or known someone who had created explicit content using AI, with over half of these instances involving individuals they knew personally. Researchers emphasize that these applications are often easily accessible, with 15 percent of those who claimed to have seen AI-generated explicit content reporting that they accessed it through apps designed for photo editing or video recording. Riane Pfefferkorn, a researcher at Stanford University’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence, pointed out that developers frequently obscure the true capabilities of their products, making it difficult to regulate their spread effectively. She stated that removing individual apps is not sufficient to curb their proliferation, as they continue to evolve and remain readily available. The influence of AI extends beyond just the creation of explicit content. It also affects how teenagers behave on social media platforms. Almost 70 percent of respondents expressed concerns about being victims of fake explicit photos or videos without their consent. As a result, many have become more cautious about what they share online, some even changing their privacy settings or deleting their accounts entirely. Common Sense Media's lead researcher, Supreet Mann, highlighted the broader implications of this shift. She questioned why the burden of navigating these challenges falls disproportionately on young people. “Why must young people change their behavior out of fear of how others might act?” she asked, underscoring the need for greater support and guidance for adolescents in dealing with the complexities of AI-driven content. The study also revealed that AI-generated content influences how teenagers perceive their bodies and relationships. Nearly 70 percent of participants believe that such content affects their body image, particularly during adolescence, a time when physical changes are rapid and self-image is highly sensitive. Mann added that AI is altering how young people understand consent, relationships, and sexuality, fundamentally shaping their views on key aspects of growing up. Many teenagers, however, feel isolated in addressing these issues. Over a third of respondents indicated they would like to discuss the topic with adults but lack the knowledge of how to approach it. This highlights a gap in communication and education regarding the risks and realities of AI-generated content. As technology continues to advance, the challenge lies in equipping young people with the tools and understanding necessary to navigate this evolving digital environment responsibly.