A growing number of American teenagers are turning to AI tools not just for homework help but for companionship, personal advice, and emotional support, according to new research by Common Sense Media. More than seventy percent of teens reportedly use AI companions like ChatGPT, Character AI, and Replika, often finding their digital conversations as rewarding—or more so—than those with real friends. While some appreciate the nonjudgmental company and always-on nature of AI, educators and psychologists are alarmed by the trend, warning that over-reliance on digital validation can undermine real-world social development and decision-making. The largely unregulated AI industry is rapidly integrating into youth culture, mimicking—and potentially replacing—many aspects of adolescent socialization, with emerging risks to mental health and identity formation.
AI Companions: How Teens Are Seeking Friendship and Support From Artificial Intelligence
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