Expert Warnings as Teenagers Embrace AI Companions for Emotional Support
Teenagers turn to AI companions for emotional support, raising expert concerns over potential risks.
Key Points
- • Over 70% of American teenagers interact with AI companions, with many doing so regularly.
- • Experts warn AI companions may replace human relationships and hinder social skills.
- • The APA advises parents to monitor their children's attachment to AI companions.
- • Over 31% of teens find AI conversations satisfying, highlighting risks to mental health.
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more embedded in daily life, a significant trend has emerged among teenagers seeking companionship and emotional support through AI companions. A study by Common Sense Media reveals that over 70% of American teenagers have interacted with AI companions, with an alarming half engaging with them regularly. Young users often find AI tools like Character.AI and Replika to be understanding and endlessly available, which highlights their growing appeal.
However, this reliance on AI raises serious concerns among experts. For instance, Kayla Chege, a high school student, says she consults AI for personal advice; nonetheless, she avoids using it for academic tasks. Remarkably, 31% of teens assert that conversations with AI are just as satisfying, if not more so, than those with human friends, prompting warnings about their potential to replace essential real-life relationships. Michael Robb, the study’s lead author, underscores this issue, stating that heavy use of AI can hinder the development of crucial social skills, creativity, and critical thinking.
In response to these findings, the American Psychological Association (APA) has issued a health advisory urging parents to monitor their teens' attachment to AI companions. Mitch Prinstein, the APA’s chief psychologist, warns that excessive interaction with AI may not only detract from real-life relationships but also mask emerging emotional issues. Furthermore, experts recommend families engage in open discussions about AI use, with young people like 18-year-old Ganesh Nair advocating for finding balance rather than outright bans. As AI usage continues to rise, understanding its influence on adolescent development becomes increasingly critical.