Adolescents are seeking connection and guidance from artificial intelligence, leaning on it for emotional assistance.
In a recent study, it has been revealed that a substantial majority of teenagers in the United States are engaging with Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms for emotional and conversational support. About 72% of U.S. teenagers aged 13 to 17 have used these AI companions, according to multiple surveys conducted in April and May 2025 on a representative sample of 1,060 teens.
One-third of these AI users integrate these platforms into their social interactions, and about 18% use them to seek advice or emotional support. Roughly 17% appreciate that AI companions are always available to listen, and 12-14% feel comfortable sharing things with AI they wouldn’t say to friends or family. This emotional support role of AI is highlighted by the fact that about half of the teens use AI companions regularly, with around 13% chatting daily and 21% multiple times a week.
Teens are not just using AI for emotional support but also for conversation practice, problem-solving, and sometimes entertainment. However, while many find AI supportive, about 34% reported feeling uncomfortable from something the AI said or did, indicating some risks in relying on AI for emotional interaction.
The term "AI companions" includes platforms specifically designed for social and emotional interaction, such as Character.AI, Replika, and Nomi, as well as conversational tools like ChatGPT being used as companions rather than just informational resources.
In Arkansas, 17-year-old Bruce Perry uses AI tools to craft outlines and proofread essays for his English class and uses AI daily for advice in social situations, writing emails to teachers, and deciding what to wear. In Kansas, high school student Kayla Chege uses AI for guidance on various topics, including back-to-school shopping, makeup colours, and planning parties.
The study warns that the now-booming and largely unregulated AI industry is becoming as integrated with adolescence as smartphones and social media are. It recommends that minors not use AI companions and expresses concerns about the cognitive costs for youth who rely heavily on AI, particularly in their creativity, critical thinking, and social skills.
Researchers and educators are also concerned about the trust teenagers place in AI, with many lacking trust in themselves to make decisions and relying on AI for feedback. In the Common Sense Media survey, 31% of teens said their conversations with AI companions were "as satisfying or more satisfying" than talking with real friends.
However, not all agree with this sentiment. Some teens view AI as a new addiction and compare it to a need for attachment and emotional fulfillment. Others argue that the issues with AI and its effect on children's mental health are different from those of social media.
One of the top apps teens frequent is SpicyChat AI, a free role-playing app intended for adults. Many teens use chatbots to write emails or messages in sensitive situations. One teen, Nair, views AI as a new addiction and compares it to a need for attachment and emotional fulfillment.
Adolescence is a critical time for developing identity, social skills, and independence, and AI companions should complement - not replace - real-world interactions, according to the study. As the use of AI continues to grow, it is essential to ensure that teenagers are using these tools responsibly and maintaining a balance between digital and real-life interactions.
References:
[1] Telzer, E. (2025). Children as young as 8 are using generative AI, and teens are using it for exploring their sexuality and for companionship. [Interview]. The Verge.
[2] Chege, K. (2025). AI use among teenagers: A growing trend. [Interview]. CNN.
[3] Common Sense Media (2025). Teens, AI, and emotional support: A new study reveals concerning trends. [Report]. Common Sense Media.
[4] Perry, B. (2025). The role of AI in my life: An Arkansas teenager's perspective. [Interview]. Wired.
[5] Chege, K. (2025). The impact of AI on teenagers' mental health: A Kansas high school student's view. [Interview]. The New York Times.
- The United States Computer Science School in Los Angeles, California, offers courses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications in various industries, including health, business, and entertainment.
- The rise of AI platforms in California has sparked debates about their role in mental health support for teenagers in the state, as revealed by a recent study.
- Originating from Hollywood, the lifestyle hub of Los Angeles, the entertainment industry is exploring the use of AI in movie production, hoping to revolutionize technology in the field.
- Meanwhile, in technology-forward California, lawmakers are deliberating over the regulation of AI companies to protect users' privacy and prevent potential misuse.
- The burgeoning AI industry in California, from Silicon Valley to Stanford University's AI research department, is making significant strides in the field of Artificial Intelligence and its many applications, like education and self-development.
- In California's education and self-development sector, there are concerns that an over-reliance on AI companions by teenagers might hamper their ability to develop essential social skills and critical thinking.
- General news outlets, such as The Verge and The New York Times, have covered stories about how teens are integrating AI platforms into their daily lives, from crafting essays to seeking emotional support.
- Amidst the rapid growth of AI in California, there are various stakeholders, including researchers, educators, and lawmakers, who are engaged in a discussion about the ethical implications and potential risks associated with the widespread adoption of AI in adolescents' lives.
