Majority use them for social connection, curiosity, and even practicing life skills
Key Takeaways
- 72% of U.S. teens (ages 13–17) have used AI companions at least once.
- 52% are regular users, with some chatting daily.
- Teens use AI chatbots for entertainment, advice, and emotional support.
- One in three finds AI chats more satisfying than talking to real friends.
- 80% still prefer spending time with real people over AI.
- Study by Common Sense Media and NORC at the University of Chicago.
What Are AI Companions?
AI companions are chatbots made for more personal conversations.
They’re different from tools like Siri or Google Assistant.
These bots are designed to talk like people—offering friendship, support, or role-play experiences.
Some popular platforms include:
- Character.AI
- Replika
- ChatGPT
- Claude
While some AI is task-based (like generating images or answering homework), companions aim to feel more human.
The Study: Teens and AI Companionship
A new report from Common Sense Media reveals a rising trend:
Teenagers are talking to AI, and often.
Researchers surveyed 1,060 U.S. teens (ages 13–17) during April–May 2025.
Here’s what they discovered:
Usage Stats
- 72% of teens have tried an AI companion.
- 52% use them regularly.
- 13% chat daily.
- 21% engage a few times a week.
- Boys (31%) were slightly more likely than girls (25%) to say they’ve never used one.
Why Teens Use AI Companions
Teens aren’t just using AI out of boredom.
They turn to these tools for several personal and social reasons.
Top Uses
- Entertainment – 30%
- Curiosity about AI – 28%
- Advice – 18%
- Always available – 17%
- Social interaction/relationships – 33%
Nearly half (46%) said they view these bots simply as tools or programs.
But others see them more like friends or advisors.
Do Teens Trust AI Companions?
Not entirely.
- 50% don’t trust the information AI chatbots provide.
- Older teens (15–17) are less trusting than younger teens (13–14).
- Only 20% of older teens trust AI advice.
- Compared to 27% of younger teens.
Are AI Conversations Better Than Real Ones?
The answer is mixed.
- 1 in 3 teens said conversations with AI were more satisfying than those with real friends.
- However, 67% still preferred real-life interactions.
This shows that while AI offers a comfort zone, it doesn’t fully replace human connection.
Practicing Real-Life Skills With AI
Many teens use AI to build social skills and try out real conversations.
What Teens Practice With AI
- Social skills – 39%
- Conversation starters – 18%
- Giving advice – 14%
- Expressing emotions – 13%
They then apply these skills in real life, showing AI might be helping—not harming—some social development.
Does AI Replace Real Friends?
Not really.
- 80% of teens who use AI companions say they spend more time with real friends.
- Only 6% said they spend more time with AI chatbots than humans.
That’s a reassuring sign that technology is not fully replacing human relationships—at least not yet.
Why This Matters
The growing use of AI companions shows how technology is blending with teenage life.
Whether for help, support, or just fun, AI is becoming part of how teens explore emotions and relationships.
However, this trend raises questions about:
- Emotional safety
- Over-reliance on machines
- Data privacy for teens
One company, Character.AI, is even facing legal action linked to serious incidents involving teens.
Final Thoughts
AI companions are here to stay—and teens are clearly curious.
Some use them as tools, others as practice partners or virtual friends.
While most teens still prefer real-life socializing, the line between digital and human connection is starting to blur.
Parents, educators, and tech makers should pay attention.
Supportive guidance, awareness, and safety-first design will be key as AI continues to grow alongside a generation of digital natives.
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