Why Teens Are Turning to AI Companions and What It Means for the Future of Human Connection
A new study by Common Sense Media reveals a growing trend among U.S. teenagers: nearly 72% have tried AI companions, and over half of them are regular users.
Unlike AI assistants that help with homework or generate images, these AI companions,like those from Character.AI, Replika, or even ChatGPT are used for more personal, emotional, and interactive conversations.
The study, conducted in April–May 2025 with 1,060 teens aged 13–17, offers insight into how AI is becoming part of teens’ everyday emotional and social lives.
While 13% of regular users chat with AI daily, another 21% engage with them a few times a week.
Interestingly, boys were slightly more likely than girls to say they’ve never used one.
So, why are teens turning to AI for conversations?
The reasons vary:
- Entertainment (30%)
- Curiosity about AI (28%)
- Advice-seeking (18%)
- 24/7 availability (17%)
Some teens even find chatting with AI more satisfying than talking to real friends,though that’s only true for 33%, while 67% still prefer human interaction.
A positive takeaway?
About 39% of teens use AI chats to practice real-life social skills like expressing emotions, starting conversations, and giving advice.
Many said they applied what they learned from AI to real-life interactions, which could suggest a healthy blend of tech and real-world development.
But there are also concerns.
Around 50% of teens say they don’t trust AI companions fully. Trust drops even further with older teens.
And while AI can offer emotional support, some cases,like lawsuits involving Character.AI raise ethical and mental health red flags.
In the end, despite their growing reliance on AI companions, 80% of teens said they still spend more time with real friends than chatbots.
Final Thought:
AI companions may never replace human connection, but they’re clearly becoming digital mirrors.
Tools teens use to reflect, rehearse, and relate in new ways. For parents, educators, and society, this is a signal to better understand and guide how AI fits into the next generation’s emotional lives.
FAQs
What is an AI companion?
An AI companion is a chatbot designed for personal, emotional, or conversational interaction like Replika, Character.AI, or even ChatGPT.
Are AI companions safe for teens?
They can be helpful for practicing social skills or seeking advice, but overuse or reliance on AI for emotional support may carry risks. Parental guidance is key.
