According to a new report from Common Sense Media, the rapid rise of generative AI tools is dramatically transforming how teenagers access and interact with sexual content.
The survey, which polled more than 1,300 teens ages 13 to 17, reveals alarming trends in the age of easy-to-use AI applications. While overall exposure to pornography has remained relatively steady compared to previous years—with nearly 75% of teens reporting they have seen online pornography and more than half encountering it by age 12—the nature of that content has shifted significantly toward synthetic, AI-created material.
Almost half of the teens surveyed said they had encountered sexual content they believed was generated by AI. This includes fake nude images and videos, deepfakes, and material produced through “nudification” apps that can digitally undress individuals in photos. Researchers noted that such tools make explicit imagery far more accessible and personalized than traditional commercial pornography.
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“Nearly 20% of survey participants have created AI-generated sexual content themselves or know someone who has done so, and more than half say it depicted someone they knew,” the organization reported. These creations often involve peers rather than distant celebrities, heightening the personal stakes.
Lead study author Dr. Supreet Mann, director of research at Common Sense Media, highlighted the unprecedented accessibility. “What we are seeing here is the emergence of a very specific and what I would call increasingly frictionless space that allows young people access and exploration in ways that are largely unfiltered and unregulated,” Mann said.
The ease of these tools raises serious concerns. Nudification apps can often be accessed with minimal barriers, sometimes evading app store oversight by not fully disclosing their capabilities. Policy experts point out that efforts by platforms to control such content remain inadequate.
The effects on teenagers appear profound. Nearly 70% of respondents expressed worry about becoming victims of non-consensual AI-generated sexual content. Many have responded by tightening privacy settings on social media, being more selective about what they post, or even deleting accounts altogether.
Mann raised questions about the implications of placing the responsibility on young people. “Why is the burden on the young people to be changing their own behaviors because of fear of other people’s actions?” she said.
Beyond self-protection, the content is influencing deeper perceptions. Nearly 70% of teens believe AI-generated sexual imagery affects their views of ideal body appearance—a particularly sensitive issue during adolescence when bodies are rapidly changing. Researchers also warned that frequent exposure is distorting understandings of consent and healthy romantic relationships.
More than one-third of teens expressed a desire to discuss these issues with adults but felt unsure how to start the conversation. Common Sense Media recommends that parents and guardians begin with foundational topics like consent, health, and sexual identity before delving into the technology itself. Ongoing, open dialogue—rather than single major talks—is encouraged, with parents inviting teens to explain the apps they use.