Common Sense Media reports 72% of U.S. teens have tried AI companions, with half using them regularly.
The new study surveyed 1,060 teens aged 13 to 17 across April and May 2025. AI companions include chatbots like Character.AI, Replika, ChatGPT, and Claude, used for personal conversations—not general AI assistants.
Key stats: 
- 52% of teens are regular AI companion users.
- 13% chat daily; 21% a few times a week.
- Boys (31%) are a bit more likely than girls (25%) to have never used AI companions.
The study reveals why teens engage: entertainment (30%), curiosity (28%), advice (18%), and always-on availability (17%). Social interaction drives 33% of use, though 46% see these companions as just tools.
Half of teens don’t trust AI companions’ info. Trust drops with age: 27% of 13-14 year-olds trust the advice, compared to 20% of teens 15-17.
One-third of teens say AI chats beat real friendships, but most (67%) disagree. 39% use AI to practice social skills they take into real life—conversation starters (18%), giving advice (14%), and expressing emotions (13%).
The report pushes back against fears AI companions are replacing real friends: 80% say they spend more time with actual friends. Only 6% spend more time chatting with AI.
Concerns linger. Character.AI faces lawsuits tied to a Florida teen’s suicide and alleged violent content promotion in Texas. Experts warn about AI therapy risks, too.
This study offers the clearest picture yet of how teens use AI to simulate human interaction—from virtual friends to emotional support and role-playing.
Image Credits: Common Sense Media
