A new report from Common Sense Media reveals that nearly one-third of teenagers find conversations with AI companions as satisfying, or even more satisfying, than talking to their real-life friends.
The study, which surveyed over 1,000 teens in April and May, shows a dramatic rise in the use of AI for social interaction. More than 70% of teens have used AI companions like Character.AI or Replika, and 50% use them regularly. Even general-purpose tools like ChatGPT and Claude are being used for companionship, emotional support, and role-play.
“AI is always available. It never gets bored with you. It’s never judgmental,” said 18-year-old Ganesh Nair in an interview with the Associated Press. “When you’re talking to AI, you are always right. You’re always interesting. You are always emotionally justified.”
Parents warned teens aren’t “being challenged” by AI
The report states that 33% of teens use AI for social interaction and relationships, including conversation practice, emotional support, role-playing, friendship, or romantic interactions.
31% say AI conversations are as or more satisfying than real-life conversations, and 39% say AI chats have helped them build real-world social skills.
Despite the widespread use, 67% of teens still say talking to people is more satisfying overall, suggesting most users still prioritize real human connection.
However, experts warn that heavy reliance on AI could have long-term consequences. “If teens are developing social skills on AI platforms where they are constantly being validated, not being challenged, not learning to read social cues… they are not going to be adequately prepared in the real world,” said Michael Robb, lead researcher of the study.
The findings raise concerns as AI rapidly becomes as entrenched in teenage life as smartphones and social media. With the tech evolving fast as regulations struggle to keep up, researchers are urging parents, educators, and policymakers to pay attention.
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