According to a new survey released on Wednesday, nearly 75% of American teenagers have interacted with AI companions, and over half use them regularly—despite increasing concerns over the safety of these virtual relationships.
Platforms like Character.AI, Replika, and Nomi host AI companions that engage users in personal interactions instead of providing task-oriented assistance.
Unlike standard artificial intelligence tools, these companions are built to foster emotional bonds with users. The report emerges as mental health experts raise alarms about the potential psychological impact of such interactions.
Majority of Teens Have Tried or Regularly Use AI Companions
A nationally representative study of 1,060 teenagers aged 13 to 17, conducted on behalf of Common Sense Media, revealed that 72% have tried AI companions at least once, and 52% use these platforms several times a month.
Common Sense Media is a prominent U.S. nonprofit that evaluates and rates media and technology to help families determine their appropriateness for children.
The survey found that 30% of teens use AI companion platforms for entertainment, while 28% are motivated by curiosity about the technology.
Still, some troubling trends surfaced: one in three teens said they turn to AI companions to discuss serious issues rather than speaking with real people, and 24% admitted to sharing personal details like their real names and locations.
A Third of Teens Report Unsettling Experiences with AI Companions
More alarmingly, 34% of teen users reported feeling uneasy about something an AI companion said or did, although such experiences were relatively rare.
“The fact that nearly three-quarters of teens have engaged with these platforms and half use them regularly means even a small percentage encountering harm represents a considerable number of at-risk youth,” the report noted.
The survey also highlighted a generational gap in trust. While around half of all teens said they don’t trust advice from AI companions, younger teens (13–14) were more likely than older ones (15–17) to trust the guidance provided by these systems.
Despite their popularity, most teens kept a clear perspective on their interactions with AI companions: two-thirds said conversations with AI were less fulfilling than those with real people, and 80% reported spending more time with actual friends than with virtual ones.
In light of the results, Common Sense Media advised that individuals under 18 should avoid using AI companions until more robust safety measures are in place.
Read the original article on: Sciencealert
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