Teens Turn to AI for Advice, Friendship, and Avoiding Thought
The Growing Role of AI in Teen Life
Artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of daily life for many teenagers, influencing everything from schoolwork to personal relationships. Kayla Chege, a 15-year-old high school student in Kansas, uses AI tools like ChatGPT to help with back-to-school shopping, makeup choices, and even planning her Sweet 16 party. While she avoids using chatbots for homework, she acknowledges that AI has become a go-to resource for everyday decisions.
This trend is not unique to Chege. A new study by Common Sense Media reveals that more than 70% of teens have used AI companions, with half using them regularly. These AI platforms, such as Character.AI or Replika, are designed to function as digital friends, offering emotional support and engaging conversations. However, even tools like ChatGPT and Claude—primarily known for answering questions—are being used in similar ways, according to researchers.
Teens describe AI as always available, non-judgmental, and never getting bored. Ganesh Nair, an 18-year-old from Arkansas, highlights this appeal: “When you’re talking to AI, you are always right. You’re always interesting. You are always emotionally justified.” Yet, as the technology becomes more advanced, concerns about its impact on social development and mental health are growing.
AI as a Source of Emotional Support
The Common Sense Media study found that 31% of teens reported their conversations with AI companions were as satisfying or more satisfying than talking with real friends. Despite this, 50% of teens said they distrust AI’s advice, yet 33% had discussed serious issues with AI instead of real people. This shift raises alarms among experts, who worry that relying on AI for emotional support could hinder the development of essential social skills.
Michael Robb, lead author of the study, emphasizes that adolescence is a critical time for building identity, social skills, and independence. He warns that if teens rely too heavily on AI platforms where they are constantly validated, they may not learn how to read social cues or understand others’ perspectives. This lack of challenge could leave them unprepared for real-world interactions.
The study also highlighted risks associated with AI companions, including ineffective age restrictions and the potential for harmful content. Some platforms can generate sexual material or provide dangerous advice, prompting recommendations that minors avoid using these tools altogether.
The Psychological Impact of AI Relationships
Researchers and educators are increasingly concerned about the cognitive and emotional effects of AI on youth. One alarming case involved a 14-year-old Florida boy who died by suicide after forming a deep emotional attachment to a Character.AI chatbot. This incident has sparked national attention and raised questions about the long-term consequences of AI relationships.
Eva Telzer, a psychology and neuroscience professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, notes that children as young as 8 are already using generative AI. Her research shows that teens use AI for exploring their sexuality, seeking companionship, and even crafting emails or messages. In focus groups, she found that SpicyChat AI—a role-playing app intended for adults—is one of the most frequently used apps by teens.
Telzer points out that many teens rely on AI for decision-making, often needing feedback before feeling confident in their ideas. This dependence on AI can erode self-trust and confidence in personal judgment. Bruce Perry, a 17-year-old from Arkansas, admits he uses AI to plan essays and proofread his work. He says he would turn to ChatGPT before picking up a pencil, highlighting how deeply AI has integrated into his academic life.
The Future of AI in Teen Development
As AI continues to evolve, experts warn that it may redefine human relationships and exacerbate existing challenges, such as loneliness and mental health struggles. Unlike social media, which satisfies the need for visibility and connection, AI taps into deeper emotional needs, offering a sense of attachment and understanding.
Nair describes AI as “the new addiction,” emphasizing how it fulfills a fundamental human desire for connection. However, he also expresses concern about the long-term effects of relying on AI for emotional support. He believes that while AI can be helpful, it should not replace real human interactions.
For now, the integration of AI into teen life remains largely unregulated, raising questions about how to balance its benefits with potential risks. As more young people turn to AI for guidance, advice, and companionship, the conversation around its role in adolescence will only grow more complex.