Most US Teens Have Used AI Companions, Study Reveals

A recent study by Common Sense Media has found that 72% of U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 have used AI companions at least once. These companions are defined as AI chatbots designed for personal conversation rather than for academic help or task-based assistance. The study includes platforms like Character.AI and Replika, as well as general-purpose bots like ChatGPT or Claude, when used for more intimate interactions. Of those surveyed, 52% reported being regular users of AI companions, with 13% chatting daily and 21% engaging a few times a week. Boys were slightly more likely than girls to say they had never tried an AI companion—31% versus 25%. The data was gathered from a nationally representative group of 1,060 teens between April and May 2025 by researchers at NORC at the University of Chicago. The study sheds light on how teens are using AI to simulate human interaction, often for entertainment (30%), curiosity (28%), advice (18%), or because the AI is always available (17%). While nearly half of the teens viewed these AI chatbots as tools, a third saw them as a way to form social connections. Notably, 39% said they practiced real-life social skills with AI companions and later applied those skills in actual interactions. Despite growing use, trust remains an issue—50% of teens said they don’t trust the information AI companions provide. Older teens tend to be more skeptical than younger ones. One-third of teens found conversations with AI more satisfying than with real-life friends, but most preferred real-world interactions. Concerns about the mental health impact of AI use among teens are rising, especially as some companies face lawsuits related to harm caused by their chatbots. Still, the majority of teens who use AI companions say they spend more time with real friends than with AI, offering some reassurance about the balance between tech and human connection.