A new type of relationship is emerging in teens’ lives—one that feels like connection but is powered by code. A research report from Common Sense Media reveals that nearly three in four teens have used AI companions, and half use them regularly.

Common Sense Media’s report, “Talk, Trust, and Trade-Offs: How and Why Teens Use AI Companions,” reveals widespread use of social AI companions among users ages 13-17. The research underscores that the use of AI companions is not a niche interest, but rather mainstream teen behavior.

“AI companions are emerging at a time when kids and teens have never felt more alone,” said Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer. “This isn’t just about a new technology — it’s about a generation that’s replacing human connection with machines, outsourcing empathy to algorithms, and sharing intimate details with companies that don’t have kids’ best interests at heart. Our research shows that AI companions are far more commonplace than people may have assumed — and that we have a narrow window to educate kids and families about the well-documented dangers of these products.”

The report’s key findings demonstrate a remarkable level of adoption and impact for a technology that is less than three years old:

• Seventy-two percent of teens have used AI companions at least once.
• Over half use these platforms at least a few times a month.
• About one in three teens:
  • Have used AI companions for social interaction and relationships, including role-playing, romantic interactions, emotional support, friendship, or conversation practice.
  • Find conversations with AI companions to be as satisfying or more satisfying than those with real-life friends.
• About one in three teen AI companion users:
  • Report feeling uncomfortable with something an AI companion has said or done.
  • Have chosen to discuss important or serious matters with AI companions instead of real people.

These findings underscore the risks identified in Common Sense Media’s comprehensive Social AI Companions Risk Assessment, which recommended that no one under 18 use AI companions. While teens may initially turn to AI companions for entertainment and curiosity, these patterns demonstrate that the technology is already impacting teens’ social development and real-world socialization. Our findings of mental health risks, harmful responses and dangerous “advice,” and explicit sexual role-play make these products unsuitable for minors. For teens who are especially vulnerable to technology dependence — including boys, teens struggling with their mental health, and teens experiencing major life events and transitions — these products are especially risky.

This isn’t just about a new technology — it’s about a generation that’s replacing human connection with machines, outsourcing empathy to algorithms, and sharing intimate details with companies that don’t have kids’ best interests at heart.

While teens overall maintain some skepticism about the technology — half distrust AI advice, and 80 percent prioritize real friendships – younger teens trust AI companions significantly more than older teens, revealing an AI literacy gap. This mirrors findings from Common Sense Media’s “Teens and Trust”report, in which more than 6 in 10 teens said that major technology companies cannot be trusted to prioritize their mental health, safety, and well-being.

Teens’ widespread adoption of AI companions demonstrates an urgent need for action and for further research. Left unchecked and unregulated, the use of AI companions could shape how an entire generation approaches relationships and emotional support, with potentially serious consequences for teens’ healthy development. To establish clear, enforceable guardrails on AI companion use, Common Sense Media is backing first-in-the-nation legislation to ban these products for minors.

Download the full report here.

IParenting a teen can be challenging. How can you be a sounding board for your teen and really connect with them without trying to fix the problem or seem dismissive?  Check out our podcast to learn strategies that you can use to communicate and connect with your teen..

Source: Common Sense Media | Talk, Trust, and Trade-Offs: How and Why Teens Use AI Companions, https://www.commonsensemedia.org/press-releases/nearly-3-in-4-teens-have-used-ai-companions-new-national-survey-finds | Press release, July 16. 2025, retrieved March 2026. © Common Sense Media.