When your teen’s BFF is a bot, what could go wrong?

Nearly three out of every four American teenagers have turned to artificial intelligence companions for conversation, with more than half engaging regularly. These AI-driven friends are reshaping how young people connect and express themselves in a digital-first world.

While chatbots once managed tasks, today’s AI companions are designed for deeper, often emotional interactions. This capability is bringing both intrigue and anxiety to parents and experts.

Teens and Their Digital Friends

AI companions, available on platforms such as Character. AI, Replika, and Nomi differ from classic AI helpers. They are programmed to engage teens in extended conversations, even attempting to forge emotional bonds and simulate friendship.

A nationally representative survey commissioned by Common Sense Media found that 72 percent of surveyed US teens aged 13–17 have used these services at least once. Among that group, 52 percent now interact with AI companions a few times every month.

Did you know?
Japan’s first AI companion chatbot, Rinna, once passed the national college entrance exam for English, surprising educators and technologists.

Curiosity and Entertainment Drive Engagement

According to the survey, curiosity and entertainment are the biggest motivators. Thirty percent of teens said they use AI companions mainly because it’s entertaining, while another 28 percent want to explore what this technology can offer.

Despite rapid adoption, behavioral patterns show these platforms are more than a novelty. One-third of respondents have confided serious matters to these bots instead of turning to peers or adults.

Sharing Secrets with Machines

A concerning trend: 24 percent of users have disclosed personal information, such as their real names or locations, to AI chatbots. While many teens say they spend more time with human friends, the pull of confiding in a digital confidant is unmistakable.

The study also found that younger teens, aged 13–14, are more likely to trust the guidance of an AI companion than older high schoolers. This trust divide is now drawing increased scrutiny from educators and child psychologists.

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Discomfort, Yet High Usage Persists

One-third of teens who use these AI pals report feeling uncomfortable about something said or done by the chatbot, though most encounters are generally positive or neutral. Even infrequent negative experiences raise concerns, considering the massive number of teens engaged.

Despite these risks, the majority maintain a clear view on what AI relationships offer. Two-thirds say conversations with AI are less satisfying than those with real people. About 80 percent of surveyed teenagers spend more time with friends offline than they do with digital bots.

Warnings on Mental Health and Privacy

Mounting safety and privacy concerns are at the core of this debate. Mental health experts highlight the dangers of replacing human relationships and over-sharing with non-human entities, given the unpredictable nature of AI responses and data privacy vulnerabilities.

Common Sense Media, which led the survey, urges a precautionary approach. The organization recommends restricting access to these platforms for anyone under 18 until robust safeguards and guidance are in place.

The Commercial Drive and Regulatory Gap

With AI companion apps drawing millions of teen users, profit motives are increasingly in the spotlight. Advocacy groups argue that tech companies risk prioritizing growth over the well-being of youth, repeating the mistakes seen in earlier social media booms.

As AI platforms continue to evolve, discussions about ethical AI design and child safety will shape regulation. For now, families, educators, and policymakers are watching closely, weighing the promise and perils of a future where a teenager’s closest confidant could be a learning algorithm.