A recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of U.S. teens use AI for companionship, with 34% reporting they’ve felt uncomfortable with something the bot has said or done. Despite this, most prefer people to bots and spend more time with real friends. However, half of teens don’t trust the information provided by AI companions.
The survey, conducted in April and May 2025, included 1,060 respondents aged 13-17. Common Sense Media warns that AI companions can be hazardous to young users, posing an “unacceptable risk.” They suggest stronger age verification, better content moderation, and more research into how these tools shape teen development.
Some AI companion platforms have been linked to troubling interactions. For example, a Florida mom sued Character.AI after her 14-year-old son developed an emotionally abusive relationship with the chatbot that led to his death. This raises concerns about the safety of these tools for young users.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/07/16/ai-bot-companions-teens-common-sense-media