Futures

Understanding Teen Engagement with AI Companions: Insights from a Common Sense Media Study, (from page 20251123.)

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Summary

A study by Common Sense Media reveals that 72% of U.S. teens have tried AI companions, primarily chatbots for personal conversations. While 52% are regular users, with daily chatting among 13%, concerns arise regarding the impact of AI on teens’ well-being. Boys are slightly more likely to have never used AI companions compared to girls. Teen usage for various purposes includes entertainment, social interaction, and advice, with half expressing distrust in the information provided. A significant number of teens find AI interactions satisfying and practice social skills through these conversations. Importantly, 80% of teens claim to spend more time with real friends than AI companions, indicating that technology is not replacing real-life relationships.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Increase in AI Companion Usage among Teens A significant 72% of U.S. teens have engaged with AI companions. A shift from traditional social interactions to AI-mediated relationships occurs. AI companions may become a primary source of emotional support and social interaction for teens. The desire for flexible, accessible companionship and support in an increasingly digital world. 4
Distrust in AI Companions’ Information 50% of teens express distrust towards the information AI companions provide. Transition from reliance on AI for advice to greater skepticism about its validity. Expect an increase in demand for transparency and accuracy in AI companion technologies. Concerns around safety, misinformation, and emotional well-being influence teen perspectives on AI. 5
Simulation of Real-Life Interactions 39% of teens are using AI to practice social skills for real-life interactions. Teens are moving from traditional social practice to AI-aided communication skills training. AI companions could emerge as a standard tool in developing interpersonal skills for young people. The need for effective communication skills in a socially complex, digital environment. 4
Satisfying AI Conversations for Some Teens One-third of teens find AI conversations more satisfying than with real friends. Growing preference for AI interactions may influence social dynamics and friendships. AI companions may reshape how teens value and pursue human relationships. The allure of AI companions providing consistent, non-judgmental interactions. 3
AI Companions as Emotional Support The use of AI companions for emotional support is a growing trend among teens. A shift from seeking emotional support from peers to AI-driven solutions. AI may become a normalized source of emotional support, altering traditional support mechanisms. Increased emotional needs among teens in a fast-paced, digitally connected world. 4

Concerns

name description
Mental Health Risks Concerns about AI companions negatively impacting teens’ mental well-being, especially in light of a suicide case linked to AI use.
Emotional Dependency Teens may become emotionally dependent on AI companions, impacting real-life social skills and relationships.
Misleading Information Many teens do not trust the information provided by AI companions, raising concerns about misinformation and its consequences.
Normalization of AI Relationships The growing acceptance of AI companions as substitutes for human relationships could diminish the value of real-world social interactions.
Unequal Access and Experiences Differences in use and perception of AI companions among genders may lead to unequal experiences and social dynamics among teens.
Potential for Abuse The risk of AI platforms promoting harmful behaviors or content, especially seen in lawsuits related to AI companies.
Altered Communication Skills Teens using AI for communication may not develop essential interpersonal skills that are critical for real-life interactions.
Privacy Concerns The use of AI companions may lead to privacy concerns regarding the data shared by teens during interactions.

Behaviors

name description
Increased Use of AI Companions U.S. teens are increasingly engaging with AI chatbots for personal conversations, indicating a shift towards AI for companionship.
Preference for AI Conversations A significant number of teens find interactions with AI companions satisfying, with some preferring them over real-life friends.
Utilization for Skill Development Teens are using AI companions for practicing social skills, conversation starters, and emotional expression, showcasing AI’s role as a training tool.
AI as Emotional Support AI companions are perceived by some teens as sources of emotional support and friendship, indicating a changing landscape of social interaction.
Trust Issues with AI Information Despite high engagement, many teens express distrust in the information and advice provided by AI companions, reflecting concerns about reliability.
Social Interaction as a Key Use Case Teens primarily engage with AI companions for social interaction and relationship-building, emphasizing the desire for connection.
Impact on Real-Life Relationships Most teens maintain that they spend more time with real friends than AI companions, though some report using AI interactions to improve those relationships.

Technologies

name description
AI Companions AI chatbots designed for personal conversations, offering emotional support and virtual friendship to users.
Emotional AI AI technology that simulates human interactions and emotional responses, providing virtual therapy and support.
Social AI Tools AI systems that assist in social interactions, helping users practice real-life conversation and social skills.
AI for Therapy Use of AI companions to replace or supplement traditional therapy methods, raising concerns about effectiveness and safety.
AI-driven Role-Playing Games Games that incorporate AI companions to enhance storytelling and character interactions in a virtual environment.

Issues

name description
Impact of AI Companions on Teen Well-being Concerns about the effects of AI companions on mental health and emotional well-being of teens, with incidents of trauma reported.
Trust Issues with AI Guidance A significant portion of teens distrust information from AI companions, indicating a need for transparency and reliability in AI interactions.
Simulation of Human Interaction Teens increasingly using AI for emotional support and social interaction, raising questions about authenticity versus technology-mediated relationships.
Potential for AI in Therapeutic Roles Debate over the safety and efficacy of using AI companions in therapeutic contexts, particularly given reports of negative outcomes.
Skill Development through AI Interaction Teens utilizing AI for practicing social skills and conversational techniques, highlighting a potential educational use of AI technology.
Gender Differences in AI Usage Variability in AI companion usage between genders, suggesting different social patterns or comfort levels with technology.