Black Teens Lead in AI Use for Schoolwork. But at What Cost?

July 13, 2026

New data from the Pew Research Center reveals that Black teenagers use AI chatbots at triple the rate of white teenagers for schoolwork, with 18% of Black teens relying on AI for most or all assignments compared to just 6% of white teens. Psychologists express concern that this disparity could widen educational achievement gaps, as AI-dependent learning may reduce critical thinking skills and deeper comprehension, similar to having someone else lift weights at the gym. The risks are compounded by inconsistent school policies on AI use, cultural biases embedded in language models that favor standardized voices, and detection tools that disproportionately flag non-native English speakers for cheating.

Who is affected

Black teens ages 13-17 (using AI chatbots three times more than white teens for schoolwork)
White teens ages 13-17
College students (more than 60% admit to using AI to cheat)
Teachers (one in four believe AI will do more harm than good)
Special needs students, shy students, nonverbal students, and students on the autism spectrum
Non-native English speakers (more likely to be falsely accused of cheating by AI-detection tools)
Students in under-resourced school districts

What action is being taken

The Pew Research Center is conducting studies on teen AI chatbot usage
Students are using AI chatbots for schoolwork, research, concept explanation, editing, and co-writing
Students are using chatbots to get news and seek emotional support or advice
Tascha Just is working with special needs students using AI for deepfake technology, translating drawings into words, and providing "neurotypical translation"
Teachers are implementing inconsistent policies around AI use in schools

Why it matters

This issue matters because the disproportionate use of AI by Black teens threatens to widen existing educational outcome gaps rather than close them. When students become cognitively dependent on AI to complete their work, they may fail to develop critical thinking skills and genuine learning, potentially weakening their intellectual capabilities over time. The cultural biases embedded in AI language models push users toward standardized voices that may not represent diverse perspectives, while detection tools disproportionately flag certain groups for cheating. Most concerning is the use of AI chatbots for emotional support by vulnerable teens, as these systems lack clinical training and could provide harmful guidance during critical developmental years.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint