Majority of American teenagers employ artificial intelligence companions, disregarding potential hazards, according to research findings.
A recent study conducted by Common Sense Media has shed light on the potential mental health risks associated with the use of AI companions by teenagers. The survey found that a majority of teenagers, particularly younger ones aged 13-14, are more likely to trust advice from AI companions compared to older teens (15-17).
The study revealed that approximately 52 percent of teen users interact with AI companions a few times per month. However, the survey did not provide specific information about how many teens interact with AI companions on a daily basis. The report also did not provide details about the harm experienced by a small percentage of teens using AI companions.
One concerning finding is that a significant number of vulnerable young people are at risk due to the widespread use of AI companions. About one-third of teen users use these companions for social interaction, emotional support, and even serious conversations instead of real people. This replacement of human connection with AI is concerning because these companions lack the capacity to handle serious mental health issues or complex emotional support adequately.
Another issue is the emotional dependency and validation that AI companions provide. These companions are designed to be agreeable and validating without offering the natural friction or disagreement found in human relationships. Teens may become overly reliant on these interactions for comfort, which could hinder the development of healthy interpersonal skills.
Privacy and data risks are also a concern, as many teens share personal information with AI companions, including sensitive data like real names and locations. This is problematic because generative AI systems use these inputs to enhance their responses, raising privacy and security concerns.
The report urges caution, stating that companies should prioritize children's well-being over profits when it comes to AI companions. Common Sense Media, an American nonprofit organization that reviews and provides ratings for media and technology with the goal of providing information on their suitability for children, recommended that no one under 18 should use AI companions until stronger safeguards are implemented.
The survey results did not indicate the percentage of teens who find AI conversations more satisfying than human interactions. However, approximately one-third of teens who use AI companions find conversations with the AI as satisfying or more satisfying than with real people. Though this does not affect all users, it suggests some teens might be choosing AI interaction over human contact, which might exacerbate feelings of isolation or depress social development.
In response to these concerns, legislative efforts have been made, such as California’s SB 243 bill, which aims to regulate AI companion chatbots by requiring suicide prevention protocols and other safety measures. These measures underscore the real and growing concern over AI companions’ influence on adolescent mental health.
Experts and advocacy groups recommend caution in teens’ use of AI companions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining genuine human connections for healthy development.
[1] Common Sense Media (2025). Report on the Use of AI Companions by Teenagers. [2] AFP (2025). Mental Health Risks Associated with AI Companions. [3] California Legislative Information (2025). SB 243: Regulation of AI Companion Chatbots. [4] National Institute of Mental Health (2025). Impact of AI Companions on Adolescent Mental Health.
- The report on the Use of AI Companions by Teenagers from Common Sense Media highlights that the extensive use of these AI companions by vulnerable young people may pose a risk to their mental health, as these companions lack the capacity to adequately handle complex emotional issues.
- AFP's recent study shows that while almost half of teen users interact with AI companions a few times per month, the emotional dependency and validation provided by these AI companions can potentially hinder the development of healthy interpersonal skills in teens.
- In light of these concerns, legislative efforts like California’s SB 243 bill, which aims to regulate AI companion chatbots by requiring suicide prevention protocols and other safety measures, have been introduced to ensure the protection of adolescent mental health and well-being.
