A new report and interviews conducted by the Associated Press reveal a growing trend: teens are increasingly turning to AI tools as sources of advice, emotional support, and even companionship. While much of the adult concern has focused on AI-assisted cheating, teens say platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and especially Character.AI and Replika have become a kind of digital best friend.
According to a recent study by Common Sense Media:
- Over 70% of teens have tried AI companions
- Around 50% now use them regularly
- Teens are using AI to talk through feelings, ask personal advice, or just keep company
These AI tools aren’t limited to school support or entertainment. High schoolers like 15-year-old Kayla Chege use AI for everything from smoothie recommendations to planning birthday parties consciously steering clear of homework help but still treating the tools like emotionally intelligent peers.
The line between tool and friend is blurring. AI companions can be customised with personalities, moods, and preferences. sometimes even mimicking human traits like empathy or humour. But experts warn this shift might come at a cost. As digital relationships become more fulfilling (and less complicated), real-world relationships could be deprioritised, and loneliness risks exacerbated.
It’s not just ChatGPT-for-homework anymore. Ask your teen how they use AI, not just if. Open up conversations about real vs digital connection, and monitor when emotional reliance may be crossing into isolation.
AP -> Read the article here
