Latent Profiles of Intelligent Service and Device Use among Adolescents

Background

Adolescents are increasingly engaging with intelligent services and devices in daily life. In South Korea and globally, AI-based educational technologies have accelerated this trend. While these technologies offer both benefits and risks, less is known about how adolescents use them across domains. This study examines whether distinct patterns exist in intelligent service and device use.

Methods

Data were drawn from the 2024 Intelligent Information Society User Panel Survey in South Korea (N = 207; aged 17–19). Latent profile analysis identified patterns of use based on eight indicators across four service domains (education, media, health, leisure) and four device domains (intelligent robots, AI speakers, AR/VR, wearables). All items used a 4-point frequency scale.

Results

Three profiles were identified. Active Users (16.4%) showed higher engagement with device domains, particularly AI speakers, AR/VR, and wearables, while service use remained moderate, indicating immersive use. Routine Users (24.2%) showed consistently higher use across service domains, with device use at or slightly above average, indicating stable integration into daily life. Passive Users (59.4%) showed generally low use across domains, except for wearables, indicating limited and purpose-specific use. These findings show meaningful differences in how technologies are used.

Conclusions

Adolescents demonstrate heterogeneous patterns of intelligent technology use. Contrary to expectations of widespread active engagement, most adolescents show limited and selective use. These findings highlight the need to move beyond assumptions of uniform use and adopt differentiated approaches. Educational initiatives, including AI-based technologies, should reflect diverse usage patterns and support balanced, developmentally appropriate engagement. Tailored strategies across schools, families, and community services are needed to improve both access and effective use.

Key messages

• Adolescents show distinct patterns of intelligent service and device use, with active, routine, and passive users reflecting different levels and purposes of engagement.

• Findings highlight the need for differentiated strategies that support balanced and developmentally appropriate technology use rather than assuming uniform engagement.