The era of AI-generated pickup lines is here for some teenagers.
A survey by the nonprofit Common Sense Media, published on July 16, 2025, asked teens across the country whether and how they would use AI peers, especially in social life. The study defines an AI companion as a “digital friend or character who can text or speak.”
In total, 1,060 teens between the ages of 13 and 17 responded to April and May, and their answers revealed how adolescents use technology in their social lives. At the end of the report, Common Sense Media reaffirmed its previous suggestion that people under the age of 18 should not use their AI peers.
Business Insider looked into the results for some of the most interesting takeouts.
Over half say they are regular users
72% of respondents said they use AI companions at least once, while 52% use technology at least several times a month. For some, AI companions are a regular part of their day. 13% of respondents say they use technology every day.
More than a quarter of respondents said they had never used AI companions.
8% are using AI to cheate
When 758 teens who said they were using AI peers were asked what skills they were practicing, 8% said that they were romantic or frivolous.
AI can rebuild dating apps as we know, BI reported previously. Because some companies have created chatbots that people can date. Some people are even developing romantic relationships with AI partners.
The leaked documents reviewed by BI show that Meta trained the AI to accept “frivolous” prompts unless it was sexually explicit.
Young teens are more likely to trust AI advice
Half of those surveyed said they trusted at least “somewhat” the advice and information from their fellow AI team members, but said there was an age conflict within the group. Younger children trust me much more. This is 27% of respondents aged 13-14 compared to 20% of respondents aged 15-17.
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Of those who said they trusted their fellow AI, 23% said they trusted them “significantly” or “completely.”
Many people find interactions more satisfying than conversations with humans.
Almost a third of those surveyed said that conversations with fellow AI members found more satisfying conversations than they had with actual human friends. Of the teens who responded, 10% said they were more satisfied with the conversation, and 21% ranked it as satisfying.
Still, the teens surveyed prioritized their time with friends over AI buddies. 80% said they spent more time with their friends, while only 6% said they spent more time with AI.
Some people prefer AI for serious advice
Of the 758 teens who said they use AI peers, a third said they have bots on “important or serious” subjects rather than real friends, but only 4% said they would do so frequently.
Have you used AI in your date life? Please contact this reporter by email atecotzky@insider.com Or signal at Alicetecotzky.05. Use your personal email address and unprocessed devices. Here's a guide to sharing information safely.
