AI Companions Among Teens: New Study Reveals 72% Usage

AI Companions and Teen Engagement: A New Study

A recent investigation conducted by Common Sense Media, a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to understanding the impact of technology on children and families, reveals a significant trend. The study indicates that a substantial portion of American teenagers – 72% – have experimented with AI companions at least once.

Defining AI Companions

The research specifically focuses on AI chatbots designed to facilitate personal interactions. This differs from AI tools used for tasks like homework assistance, image creation, or simple question answering.

Examples of these AI companions include digital personas offered by companies such as Character.AI and Replika. However, the definition also encompasses general-purpose chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude when utilized for more intimate conversations.

Prevalence of Use Among Teens

The study demonstrates considerable appeal among U.S. teens aged 13 to 17. Not only have almost three-quarters tried an AI companion, but over half (52%) report being regular users.

Within this group of regular users, 13% engage in daily conversations, while 21% chat several times per week.

Gender Differences in Adoption

Interestingly, the data suggests a slight difference in usage based on gender. 31% of boys indicated they had never used an AI companion, compared to 25% of girls, among the one in four teens who haven’t tried them.

Study Methodology and Context

The findings are based on a study carried out between April and May 2025. Researchers from NORC at the University of Chicago surveyed a representative sample of 1,060 teenagers.

This research arrives amidst growing concerns regarding the potential impact of AI on adolescent well-being. Legal challenges, such as a lawsuit against Character.AI following a teen suicide, and reports highlighting the risks of using AI for therapeutic purposes, underscore these concerns.

Understanding Teen Motivations

Common Sense Media’s study provides initial insights into how young people are utilizing AI to simulate human connection. This includes exploring virtual friendships, seeking emotional support, engaging in role-playing, and even attempting to address therapeutic needs.

The analysis further examined the specific reasons teens turn to AI companions and the subsequent effects of these interactions.

Perceptions and Purposes of Use

Nearly half of the teens surveyed (46%) view AI companions as tools or programs. A significant 33% utilize them for social interaction and relationship building.

Teens cite various reasons for using these companions, including entertainment (30%), curiosity about AI technology (28%), seeking advice (18%), and appreciating their constant availability (17%).

Trust and Information Reliability

Half of the teens (50%) expressed a lack of trust in the information provided by AI companions. However, older teens demonstrated less trust compared to those aged 13-14, with 20% and 27% respectively expressing skepticism.

Satisfaction and Real-World Application

One-third of teens reported finding conversations with AI more satisfying than those with real-life friends, although the majority (67%) disagreed.

Notably, 39% of teens are leveraging these AI interactions as preparation for real-world social situations. They are applying skills initially practiced with AI to their everyday lives.

The most common skills practiced include social skills (39%), initiating conversations (18%), offering advice (14%), and expressing emotions (13%).

Impact on Real-Life Relationships

A positive finding emerged regarding the potential displacement of real-life relationships. 80% of teens who use AI companions stated they spend more time with their friends in person than with their AI chatbots.

Only 6% reported spending more time with their AI companions than with their real-life friends.