A recent study by Common Sense Media has found that American teens have lost faith in Big Tech, with a majority expressing distrust in major technology companies such as Google, Apple, Meta, TikTok, and Microsoft. The report, which surveyed over 1,000 teens, reveals that nearly half of respondents have little or no trust that these companies will make responsible decisions about how they use artificial intelligence (AI).

The survey's findings are a stark indication of the growing distrust in the tech industry, which has been building in the US for years. From the 2013 revelation of the government's mass data collection to the 2021 Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen's leaks, the tech industry has faced numerous scandals that have eroded public trust. The report suggests that teens, in particular, are aware of these issues and are increasingly skeptical of Big Tech's intentions.

According to the study, 64% of surveyed teens don't trust big tech companies to care about their mental health and well-being, while 62% don't think the companies will protect their safety if it hurts profits. Moreover, over half of respondents (53%) don't think major tech companies make ethical and responsible design decisions, citing the use of dark patterns in user interface design meant to trick, confuse, and deceive.

The report also highlights concerns over AI, with 47% of teens surveyed expressing distrust in tech companies' ability to make responsible decisions about AI. This lack of trust is further compounded by the fact that 41% of teens reported being misled by fake images online, and 35% were misled by fake online content in general. A third of teens also said that GenAI would make it even harder to trust the accuracy of online information.

The study's findings have significant implications for the tech industry, which is increasingly reliant on AI and machine learning. The report suggests that tech companies need to prioritize transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility in their AI development and deployment. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for privacy safeguards, labeling, and watermarking of AI-generated content to rebuild trust with users.

In terms of business models, the report found that 61% of teens believe that content creators should be compensated when their data is used by AI systems. This suggests that tech companies need to rethink their approach to AI development and deployment, prioritizing fairness, inclusivity, and transparency.

The report's findings are a wake-up call for the tech industry, highlighting the need for a more ethical and responsible approach to AI development and deployment. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is essential that companies prioritize user trust, privacy, and safety to rebuild trust and ensure a sustainable future.