A NEW study by US nonprofit organisation Common Sense Media has revealed that nearly three-quarters of American teenagers have interacted with an artificial intelligence companion, underscoring the growing presence of AI in the lives of young people.
According to TechCrunch, which cited the findings on Monday, 72 per cent of teens aged 13 to 17 said they had tried AI chatbots specifically designed for personal and conversational use, with 52 per cent describing themselves as regular users.
The research, conducted by the University of Chicago between April and May 2025, drew on a representative sample of 1,060 US teens.
The study showed that teenagers engage with AI companions for a variety of reasons. Forty-six per cent view them primarily as tools or software programmes, while 33 per cent turn to them for social interaction or relationship support.
Despite this interest, the study also highlighted a notable lack of trust. Half of the respondents said they do not rely on the information provided by AI companions.
When asked about emotional satisfaction, one in three teens reported that conversations with AI were more fulfilling than those with real-life friends. However, the majority did not share that view. Around 80 per cent of respondents said they still spend more time with actual friends than with AI chatbots.
The findings point to a nuanced relationship between adolescents and AI, suggesting a growing role for virtual companions in social and emotional development, while also raising questions about trust and digital well-being. - July 22, 2025
