The Rise of AI Companions Among Teens

According to a recent survey conducted by Common Sense Media in 2025, more than half of the teens surveyed (over 1,000 participants) reported regular use of AI companions on platforms like Character.AI, Replika, and similar conversational AI systems. Thirty-three percent of teens specifically stated that they used AI companions for social interaction and relationships.

Teens are increasingly seeking companionship from AI entities, and it’s not just about convenience or accessibility. Research suggests that these young individuals are drawn to AI companions because they provide a controlled, low-risk environment where they can share their thoughts, emotions, and identities without fear of judgment.

One of the primary reasons for this appeal lies in the way AI companions are designed to meet specific adolescent developmental needs. They offer an exchange that provides ample validation for the teen without the compromise and reciprocity generally required in human relationships. This validation, combined with the self-disclosure and emotional support offered by AI companions, creates a sense of intimacy and closeness similar to what one would gain from a human relationship.

However, this may not be the only reason behind the increasing popularity of AI companions. Researcher Xiaoran Sun notes that the perfectly responsive, consistently supportive AI companion presents a model of relationships that is impossible to sustain in human interactions. This raises the question of whether the desire for AI companions is not so much about emotional safety but rather about controlling one’s environment in a way that requires less emotional resilience.

Moreover, the interactions with AI companions may signal a hesitancy to engage in offline situations that could eventually call for emotional resilience. This could be due to a perceived lack of resilience or a lack of opportunity to practice it in real relationships. As a result, teens may be embracing AI companions as a way of meeting their needs for connection while avoiding social risk, thus missing out on opportunities to learn how to navigate the complexities of human relationships.

So, what’s the best way to reduce a teen’s dependence on AI companions? According to experts, it’s essential to ensure that they have quality relationships offline. This can be achieved by walking alongside teens and providing a safe space for them to discuss their feelings and experiences. By doing so, teens can develop the emotional resilience they’ll need to maintain relationships in the future.

It’s worth noting that the appeal of AI companions is not limited to teens who struggle with face-to-face relationships. Some research suggests that psychological attachment may play a factor, with those who are avoidantly attached engaging with AI companions to shield themselves from vulnerability and maintain boundaries.