Teen Engagement with AI Companions Raises Expert Concerns and Parental Guidance
Expert advice highlights parental guidance amid growing teen use of AI companions.
Key Points
- • Over 70% of American teenagers interact with AI companions.
- • Experts express concerns about the unregulated AI industry and risks for teens.
- • Parents should foster open discussions about AI without judgment.
- • Older teens suggest embracing the challenges of AI rather than banning it.
As teenagers increasingly turn to AI companions for conversation and support, expert advice is now essential for parents navigating this evolving landscape. A study by Common Sense Media indicates that over 70% of American adolescents have interacted with AI friends like Character.AI and Replika, with many using these tools regularly. Experts, however, express concerns regarding the largely unregulated AI industry and the risks associated with these technologies.
Michael Robb, head researcher at Common Sense Media, stresses that parents should approach discussions about AI companions openly, fostering curiosity rather than judgment. He highlights the importance of helping teens understand that these companions operate differently from human friendships by being inherently agreeable. In the same vein, Mitch Prinstein, chief of psychology at the American Psychological Association (APA), warns of the potential negative impact on adolescents' real-life relationships, urging parents to recognize signs of unhealthy attachment to AI.
The APA has issued a health advisory on the subject, recommending that families establish usage guidelines for AI companions similar to those for screen time. Notably, older teenagers, like Ganesh Nair, advocate against outright bans on AI, instead encouraging a constructive approach to managing its influence on personal interactions. This evolving discourse signals a crucial moment for parental engagement in ensuring healthy AI interaction among youth.