An increasing number of teens are experimenting with AI companions like chatbots for advice and sometimes even for friendship, according to a new study from Common Sense Media. The survey found that 72 percent of U.S. teens have interacted with a personal, as opposed to a productivity, chatbot at least once. The inquiry characterized either personal AI, or chatbots with recreational settings, as “companions.” Exploring the use of artificial intelligence by children ages 13 to 17 revealed that of the nearly three-quarters who had tried an AI companion, more than half — 52 percent — identified as regular users.

“Entertainment” and “curiosity” were identified as the two main drivers toward AI companions, and nearly half of those surveyed viewed AI companions “as tools rather than friends,” while “a substantial minority are turning to these platforms for social interaction,” according to the Common Sense Media study, which found that “a third of teens have chosen AI companions over humans for serious conversations, and a quarter have shared personal information with these platforms.”

Common Sense Media maintains that for those age 13-17, “the peril outweighs the potential of AI companions — at least in their current form,” prompting reaffirmation of an earlier recommendation that “no one under 18 should use these platforms.”

“The study’s definition of AI companions could include those digital AI personas provided by companies like Character.AI or Replika, but it could also encompass the use of general-purpose chatbots like ChatGPT or Claude, which can be used for more personal conversations, if desired,” TechCrunch contextualizes.

Girls were more likely than boys to have tried an AI companion, with 25 percent admitting they’d never tried a chatbot compared to 31 percent among boys.

“The study is based on a survey of 1,060 teens, so it’s intended as an indicative measure, not as a definitive overview of AI usage,” explains Social Media Today, adding that “the trends do point to some potentially significant concerns, particularly as platforms now look to introduce AI bots that can also serve as romantic partners in some capacity.”

In a separate piece, Social Media Today reports on xAI’s launch of Grok-powered AI  companions that are NSFW (Not Safe for Work). Currently available for free to users of the Grok iOS app from the App Store are Ani (“a flirty anime-style character” by Grok’s own definition) and Bad Rudi (“a misbehaving red panda”).

CNN in evaluating the Common Sense Media study writes that “chatbots don’t make good friends,” concluding that kids asking AI for advice on personal problems can create more problems.