Nearly three in four American teenagers have used AI companions. More than half are regular users. This trend emerges despite growing safety concerns about these virtual relationships, says a new survey.
AI companions are chatbots. They are designed for personal conversations. Their purpose extends beyond simple task completion. Platforms like Character.AI, Replika, and Nomi offer these services.
Unlike traditional artificial intelligence assistants, these systems aim to form emotional connections. The findings arrive amid mounting concerns. Mental health risks posed by AI companions are a significant worry.
WIDESPREAD ADOPTION AND CONCERNING PATTERNS
The nationally representative study involved 1,060 teens. Participants aged 13-17. Common Sense Media commissioned the research. It found 72 percent had used AI companions at least once. Furthermore, 52 percent interact with these platforms a few times monthly.
Common Sense Media is a leading American nonprofit organization. It reviews media and technology. Its goal is to provide suitability information for children.
The survey revealed various reasons for use. Thirty percent of respondents use platforms because “it’s entertaining.” Twenty-eight percent are driven by curiosity about the technology.
Yet, worrying patterns quickly emerged. One-third of users discuss serious matters with AI companions. They choose AI over real people. Additionally, 24 percent share personal information. This includes real names and locations.
Perhaps most troubling, 34 percent of teen users reported discomfort. An AI companion had said or done something unsettling. Though such incidents were infrequent, they are noteworthy.
“Nearly three-quarters of teens have used these platforms. Half of them do so regularly. Even a small percentage experiencing harm translates to significant numbers of vulnerable young people at risk,” the report stated.
TRUST, RELATIONSHIPS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The survey also revealed an age divide in trust levels. Half of all teens distrust AI companion advice. However, younger teens (ages 13-14) showed greater trust. They were more likely to believe advice from these systems than older teens (15-17).
Despite widespread usage, most teens maintained perspective. Two-thirds found AI conversations less satisfying than human interactions. Crucially, 80 percent spent more time with real friends than AI companions. This suggests human connection remains primary for many.
Based on these critical findings, Common Sense Media made a strong recommendation. They advised that no one under 18 should use AI companions. This should hold until stronger safeguards are implemented.
“Companies have put profits before kids’ well-being before, and we cannot make the same mistake with AI companions,” the report emphasized. This calls for urgent industry responsibility and proactive regulation to protect vulnerable youth.