Agency in the Age of AI: A National Study on Girls and Ethical Technology

Girls Who Code released Agency in the Age of AI today, a national study of 2,328 teens conducted with Touchstone Research that explores girls’ ethical values, concerns, and sense of agency around AI. Agency—the belief that they can influence how AI is developed, governed, and used—shapes how girls engage with the technology. What we found reframes the conversation about the AI gender gap. Highlights of the research include:

Agency reverses the AI use gap

When girls believe they have agency in their use of AI, the AI use gap flips. Among teens with a strong sense of agency, 88% of high agency girls report using AI regularly, compared with 83% of boys. Girls with a strong sense of agency are also more likely to recognize its possibilities, critically evaluate its outputs, and act on their beliefs about how the technology should operate.

There is a critical window for developing AI agency

Our research found that ages 13 to 16 are a particularly important period to build that agency. By ages 17 to 18, the number of girls who say they cannot make a difference in how AI is built and used nearly doubles. Their judgment sharpens while their belief that they can shape things fades. Discernment, without agency, can quietly turn into withdrawal.

Social media is shaping how girls understand AI

While schools were reported as a major source of rules, uncertainty, and conflict around AI use, they are not where many teens learn about the technology or shape their views of it. Social media is the leading source shaping girls’ opinions about AI.

Read Agency in the Age of AI to explore the complete findings, learn what drives girls’ engagement, and see recommendations for educators, technology companies, funders, policymakers, and youth-serving organizations.