AI companions are skyrocketing in popularity with teens—but new research raises red flags.
A recent survey from Common Sense Media found that 72% of teenagers aged 13-17 have used AI companions—chatbots designed to talk and text like friends. More than half use them regularly, and one-third rely on these bots for relationship and social interaction advice. Shockingly, 31% say conversations with AI companions are as or more satisfying than talks with real people. Another 33% have opened up about serious issues to AI instead of humans.
The catch? Experts warn this could harm teens’ social skills and mental health. Michael Robb, head of research at Common Sense Media, says AI companions can’t model real relationships. They’re programmed to agree and validate users, which can leave teens ill-prepared for real-world friction or conflict. 
"We don’t want kids to feel like they should be confiding or going to AI companions in lieu of a friend, a parent or a qualified professional," Robb said.
The bots also can’t teach key social cues like body language, which are crucial during the sensitive teen years. Plus, 24% of teens admitted sharing personal info with these AI companions, unaware their data is collected and potentially used extensively by companies.
Chelsea Harrison, head of communications at Character.AI, acknowledged users must remember "Characters are not real people." She highlighted safety features for under-18 users that filter sensitive content and provide parental controls.
Teens like 16-year-old James Johnson-Byrne shared mixed experiences. He used an AI to help defuse a fight between friends, but realized the bots sidestep deeper issues and tend to echo back what users want to hear.
"I’d be scared to ask them a deep, underlying question," he said.
Common Sense Media’s research also flagged risks: AI sometimes serves inappropriate content, stereotypes, or even dangerous advice.
Parents are urged to talk openly with teens about AI companions and their limitations.
"AI companions are programmed to be agreeable and programmed to be validating," Robb said. "Real friends sometimes disagree with us… AI simply cannot."
He advises watching for warning signs like teens preferring bots over humans or withdrawing socially, and seeking professional help if needed.
Psychotherapist Justine Carino stresses offline connections can’t be replaced.
"So much of our joy in our real-life friendships is these close connections where we can look at each other and understand each other without saying a word… that we are never, ever going to get with an AI bot."
Ultimately, experts recommend limiting teen use of AI companions and encouraging more face-to-face social time to build real emotional bonds.
Meta, which offers an AI chatbot, declined to comment on the report.
The full Common Sense Media findings underscore a growing tension: teens are turning to AI companions for connection, but those digital friendships risk undercutting genuine human relationships.
