A new study finds 72% of U.S. teens use AI companions. Here’s why they’re turning to AI for friendship, advice, and emotional support.
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Why 72% of US Teens Are Using AI Companions A Growing Trend: Teenagers and AI Companions
In 2025, the use of AI companions among teens has skyrocketed—with a staggering 72% of U.S. teens reporting they’ve interacted with one. These AI tools aren’t your typical homework assistants or voice-controlled gadgets. Instead, they are designed for personal, emotionally engaging conversations—similar to having a digital friend. The recent study by Common Sense Media, conducted with the University of Chicago's NORC, paints a revealing picture: teens are not only experimenting with AI chatbots like Replika, Character.AI, and even general ones like ChatGPT or Claude, but many are becoming regular users. Over half (52%) of teens now use AI companions regularly, and nearly 1 in 7 chat with them every day. This shift has sparked major conversations about digital relationships, emotional dependency, and the long-term social effects of AI-driven companionship. Image Credits:Getty Images Why Teens Are Turning to AI for Connection
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