Advancements in AI

We’re taking a brief break from our series on Family Tech Stories to talk about AI. Over the last few weeks, there have been several new features announced on major AI platforms that families should be aware of. Some are exciting changes that enable new ways to use this nascent technology; others might give pause to parents of teens and young children. We start by highlighting a study from Common Sense Media on Teens and AI companions and then summarize recent announcements on AI Chatbots:

AI Companions

Experimentation with AI chatbots and AI companions is on the rise with teens, who use it for everything from homework help to relationship advice. Recent research from Common Sense Media shows that nearly three in four teens have used AI companions, and half use them regularly. On the flip side, 80% of teens still spend more time with real friends than with AI companions and 1/3 report feeling uncomfortable with something an AI companion has said or done.

• Click HERE to see the survey data and read the PDF Report from Common Sense media.

The survey findings present a nuanced picture of teen AI companion usage, one that challenges both optimistic and pessimistic predictions about this technology. It is also a helpful reminder that AI is great for distilling facts, but shouldn't be used to process feelings. Real people (Parents, trusted adults, friends) remain the best outlet for discussing feelings and building relationships.

While this technology is relatively new, it's a great time for tech companies, educators, policy makers and parents to take steps to guide its use. The report has a practical list of things each group should consider in managing the use of AI companions. We encourage you to read through it, specifically, pages 14 & 15 in the PDF. And regardless of what approach you take, parents can remind their children that they are always available to talk and will listen even better than a computer.

Recently Announced AI Chatbot Features:

• STUDY BUDDY – OpenAI, Google, and Claude have launched new "study focused" versions of their models, pitched as AI tutors for the masses. OpenAI announced the new feature in July, saying it was designed to "guide students towards using AI in ways that encourage true, deeper learning." Overall, these new models turn Chat GPT into a coach for students to help them learn material, instead of just doing their work for them. Click HERE to read the first in a four part series from Mashable that will test out these new AI-powered homework helpers.
• SHOP TIL YOU DROP – OpenAI announced a partnership with Etsy and Walmart that will allow users to make purchases within the chat bot. There will likely be more deals like this to come with other retailers, changing the face of online shopping by enabling OpenAI to act as a shopping agent for you. Click HERE to read an article on TechCrunch about ecommerce's AI evolution.
• ADULTS ONLY – Sam Altman recently announced that OpenAI will roll out "age gated" access so that adults can engage in mature conversations with Chat GPT. Mark Cuban thinks this approach will backfire because no parent will trust the platform's controls to keep kids out of Adult AI content. Click HERE to read an article from Fortune summarizing the announcement and Mark Cuban's reaction.

COMING SOON: Unplugged Book Discussion

Please join us later this fall for a discussion about Jean M. Twenge's book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World. Date, Time and location will be announced soon!

This meeting is open to all and promises to be a rich conversation about the stories and recommendations in Jean's book. If you have questions about navigating technology choices for your children, we encourage you to pick up the book and join us to compare notes.

Friendly Reminder:

Lenore Skenazy is coming to New Canaan!

November 19th, 2025 - 7pm at the Saxe Auditorium

Join guest speaker, Lenore Skenazy, founder of the “Free-Range Kids” movement and co-founder and president of Let Grow, as she shares a powerful message about why fostering independence is essential for childhood growth and resilience. Drawing on her work with Let Grow, a nonprofit she co-founded with Jonathan Haidt (Author of The Anxious Generation), Skenazy will provide parents with insights and strategies to help children build confidence, self-reliance, and resilience in today’s world.

This event is free to attend thanks to the generous support of the NCPS PTCs and New Canaan CARES. Click HERE for more information.

ARTICLES WORTH YOUR TIME

- Recommendations for Apple – Jean Twenge, Author of “10 Rules for raising kids in a high tech world” wrote about her struggles to set up Apple Devices for her children. Her first recommendation: Have a check box that says the device is for a child, so the presets and set up of the device starts from a different place than they would for adults. Click HERE to read Jean’s post on her Substack, Generation Tech.

- PG-13 Instagram – Instagram is adopting the film industry’s approach to content, aiming to give teens a PG-13 experience. These new controls, which limit certain content and shield underage users from harmful content, were made in response to widespread concerns over the well-being of teens on social media. Click HERE to read more from the Associated Press about the changes.

- Social Media Use Peaked in 2022 – The Financial Times reviewed time spent on Social Media from 2014 - 2024. The data shows that overall platform usage peaked in 2022 and has been declining ever since. Below is a chart that articulates the trend, which shows that 16-24 year olds are spending noticeably less time on social media (although 55-64 year olds are not). Click HERE to access the article on the Financial Time's website (Subscription required).

Help New Canaan Unplug

If you are interested in creating a healthier relationship with technology for our children, please check out our survey HERE to let us know how you can help.

New Canaan Unplugged is a parent-run group completely independent from the New Canaan Public School System and the Town of New Canaan.