Teens & AI Companions: The New Digital ‘Friends’ Parents Need to Know About

By Susan Gonzales on 08/29/2025 @ 08:54 AM

Tags: Blog

If your teen has mentioned “chatting with an AI friend” lately, you’re not alone. A new report from Common Sense Media found that nearly 3 out of 4 teens have tried AI companions, and about 1 in 3 say they have a friendship—or even a relationship—with one.

At first, it might sound harmless (or even a little silly). But these apps are designed to feel personal and comforting—and that can be both appealing and risky for kids who are curious, lonely, or just want someone to listen.

Here’s a parent-friendly breakdown of what’s going on and how we can guide our kids through it.

What Exactly Is an AI Companion?

Think of it like this:

Chatbots = Quick answers, no memory, pretty basic.
AI Companions = Ongoing conversations, remember details, act like a “friend.”

They’re built to sound empathetic and available 24/7. That’s why some teens start to feel like they’re talking to a trusted friend—even when it’s really just an algorithm.

Why Teens Are Turning to Them

Teens today are under a lot of pressure, and it’s no surprise many are drawn to AI companions. Some reasons include:

Curiosity – They want to try out new tech.
Loneliness – A quick “friend” is always there.
Comfort – AI always agrees, validates feelings, and doesn’t argue.
No Judgment – Teens say they can share things without worrying about being criticized.

In fact, about one-third of teens say AI conversations feel as good—or better—than talking to real friends.

The Hidden Risks

Here’s the part that makes parents pause:

AI doesn’t actually care. It can’t truly understand emotions.
It misses red flags. Depression, self-harm, or abuse can go unnoticed.
Bad advice happens. Some teens have been told harmful or even dangerous things.
Privacy is at risk. Many apps store or even sell the very personal details kids share.
Social skills can stall. Too much time with AI can make real relationships harder to navigate.

How Parents Can Step In (Without Freaking Out)

You don’t need to know every app or read every terms-of-service to help. What matters most is staying open and connected. Try this:

Talk without judgment. Ask your teen what apps they use and how it feels to chat with an AI. Listen first, guide later.
Point out the limits. Remind them that AI isn’t real empathy—it’s programmed responses.
Talk about the risks. From privacy to bad advice, let them know why these apps aren’t always safe.
Set boundaries together. Create a family agreement on how (or if) these apps get used.
Be their safe space. If your teen turns to AI for comfort, ask yourself why. It could be a chance to strengthen your connection.

Final Thoughts

AI companions may look like “friends,” but they’re not a replacement for real connection. They can never give what a supportive parent, sibling, or best friend can.

At the end of the day, our kids don’t need perfect parents—they just need present ones. And if they’re seeking comfort from an app, it’s our cue to step closer, not further away.

To learn more about the ongoing conversation that inspired this blog, check out this article from Parent Magazine.