California Teens Shun AI Chatbots for Real-World Community Spaces

The report, titled "Belonging in a Digital Age," highlights a growing disconnect between the digital convenience of AI and the fundamental human need for "third places"—environments outside of home and school. While 54.3% of the 1,000 teens surveyed reported experiencing loneliness, the data suggests that technology is often filling a void left by a lack of safe, low-cost community infrastructure. Among those using AI for social advice, 47.8% indicated they would opt for face-to-face interaction if viable alternatives existed.

California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom emphasized that the findings shift the burden of responsibility from tech regulation alone to active investment in civic spaces. Teens identified free entry, the presence of peers, and personal safety as the primary markers of a welcoming environment. For youth co-designer Timothy Leung, the data validates a desire to reclaim physical space, noting that his most significant memories remain rooted in libraries and parks rather than screens. With organizations like the California Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and allcove centers already working to bridge this gap, the research serves as a call to prioritize physical infrastructure as essential for the emotional health of the next generation.