What Are AI Companions?
AI companions are chatbots made for more personal conversations.
They’re different from tools like Siri or Google Assistant.
These bots are designed to talk like people—offering friendship, support, or role-play experiences.
Some popular platforms include:
- Character.AI
- Replika
- ChatGPT
- Claude
While some AI is task-based (like generating images or answering homework), companions aim to feel more human.
The Study: Teens and AI Companionship
A new report from Common Sense Media reveals a rising trend:
Teenagers are talking to AI, and often.
Researchers surveyed 1,060 U.S. teens (ages 13–17) during April–May 2025.
Here’s what they discovered:
Usage Stats
- 72% of teens have tried an AI companion.
- 52% use them regularly.
- 13% chat daily.
- 21% engage a few times a week.
- Boys (31%) were slightly more likely than girls (25%) to say they’ve never used one.
Why Teens Use AI Companions
Teens aren’t just using AI out of boredom.
They turn to these tools for several personal and social reasons.
Top Uses
- Entertainment – 30%
- Curiosity about AI – 28%
- Advice – 18%
- Always available – 17%
- Social interaction/relationships – 33%
Nearly half (46%) said they view these bots simply as tools or programs.
But others see them more like friends or advisors.
Do Teens Trust AI Companions?
Not entirely.
- 50% don’t trust the information AI chatbots provide.
- Older teens (15–17) are less trusting than younger teens (13–14).
- Only 20% of older teens trust AI advice.
- Compared to 27% of younger teens.
Are AI Conversations Better Than Real Ones?
The answer is mixed.
- 1 in 3 teens said conversations with AI were more satisfying than those with real friends.
- However, 67% still preferred real-life interactions.
This shows that while AI offers a comfort zone, it doesn’t fully replace human connection.
read full article on https://techthrilled.com/press-release/ai-companions-teen-usage-study-2025/
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