Published: July 17, 2025, 08:47
AI Companion is a digital application designed for personal conversations and friendships
SAN FRANCISCO (USA) – Nearly three in four American teenagers use AI companions, and more than half are qualified as regular users despite growing safety concerns about these virtual relationships, according to a new survey released Wednesday.
AI Companion – a chatbot designed for personal conversations rather than simple task completion – is available on platforms such as Character.ai, Replika, Nomi and more.
Unlike traditional artificial intelligence assistants, these systems are programmed to form emotional connections with users. The findings come from concerns about mental health risks posed by peers of AI.
A nationally representative study of 1,060 teens aged 13-17 conducted on Common Sense Media found that 72% used AI peers at least once, while 52% interacted with such platforms several times a month.
Common Sense Media is an American nonprofit organization that reviews and provides media and technology ratings with the aim of providing information about child suitability.
The survey revealed that 30% of respondents use the platform. This is because 28% are “funny” and are driven by curiosity about technology.
However, when it comes to patterns, one-third of users chose to discuss serious issues with AI companions rather than real people, while 24% share personal information, including their real names and locations.
Perhaps the most troublesome thing is that 34% of teenage users reported feeling uncomfortable about what their AI peers said and done, but such incidents were rare.
“The reality that nearly three-quarters of teens use these platforms means that half do so regularly, meaning that even the small percentage of people experiencing harm is at risk,” the report states.
This study revealed age divisions at trust levels.
Half of teenagers expressed distrust in AI companion advice, but younger teens (ages 13-14) were more likely than older people (15-17) who trusted advice from these systems.
Despite their widespread use, most teenagers maintained a perspective on these relationships. Two-thirds found that AI conversations were less satisfying than human interactions, and 80% spent more time with real friends than their AI peers.
Based on the findings, Common Sense Media recommended that you do not use AI companions under the age of 18 until a stronger safeguard is implemented.
“Companies have previously made profits before their children's well-being and cannot make the same mistakes as their AI peers,” the report states.
