5 ways teens are using AI companions, from flirting to serious advice

A recent survey conducted by Common Sense Media has revealed intriguing insights into how teenagers are engaging with AI companions. Defined as 'digital friends or characters' that facilitate personal and meaningful conversations, these AI entities are becoming increasingly popular among adolescents. The survey, which involved 1,060 participants aged 13 to 17, found that a significant 72% of respondents had interacted with AI companions at least once. Out of these, over half reported using the technology several times a month, and 13% indicated that they engage with their AI companions daily. Interestingly, while some teens are frequent users, more than a quarter admitted to never having tried AI companions. Among the teens who do use AI companions, 8% mentioned they practice romantic or flirtatious skills with these digital entities. This trend points to a potential evolution in how young people approach dating, with some companies developing chatbots designed for romantic interactions. According to leaked information, Meta has even programmed its AI to handle 'flirty' prompts, making the technology more relatable to users. Trust in AI companions also varies among teens. About half of the respondents expressed at least some level of confidence in the advice given by their AI partners. Notably, younger teens aged 13-14 are more likely to trust AI, with 27% showing high levels of confidence compared to 20% of those aged 15-17. Furthermore, 23% of those who trust their AI companions feel 'quite a bit' or 'completely' assured by the guidance they receive. Satisfaction levels in conversations with AI companions also showed promising results. Nearly one-third of the teens reported that their interactions with AI were as satisfying, if not more so, than those with human friends. While 10% found AI conversations more fulfilling, 21% deemed them satisfactory. However, the majority still value human interaction, with 80% stating they spend more time with friends than with AI, and only 6% leaning toward their digital counterparts. Interestingly, one-third of the users have discussed significant or serious topics with their AI companions, although only 4% do so regularly. This suggests that while AI can provide a platform for serious discussions, most teens still prefer confiding in their real-life friends. The findings of this survey underscore the growing role of AI in the social lives of teenagers, highlighting both the benefits and the challenges of integrating technology into personal relationships.