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Talk, Trust, and Trade-Offs: How and Why Teens Use AI Companions

A nationally representative survey study of how US teenagers use social AI companion platforms. Common Sense Media surveyed 1,060 teens aged 13-17 in April-May 2025 and found that 72% have used AI companions at least once and about half use them regularly. A third of teens reported choosing AI companions over humans for serious conversations, and a quarter have shared personal information with these platforms. The report concludes that AI companions in their current form are unsuitable for minors and recommends no one under 18 use them.

Read at commonsensemedia.org Archived copy

Publisher

Common Sense Media

Published

16 Jul 2025

Added

yesterday

DOI

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Key Findings

72% of US teens (13-17) have used AI companions at least once; ~52% qualify as regular users (a few times a month or more)
One third of teens have chosen AI companions over humans for serious conversations; a quarter have shared personal information with the platforms
Younger teens trust AI companion advice significantly more than older teens, indicating an AI literacy gap
80% of teen users still prioritize real friendships, but a substantial minority use companions for social/emotional interaction
Common Sense Media's position: the peril outweighs the potential — no one under 18 should use AI companion platforms in their current form

Methodology Notes

Nationally representative online survey of 1,060 US teens aged 13-17, fielded April-May 2025. Self-report survey data; measures usage, motivations, trust, and disclosure behaviors rather than direct product testing. Cross-sectional (no longitudinal follow-up).

Sources

Common Sense Media research report page (primary)

Full report PDF (16 Jul 2025)

Common Sense Media press release (16 Jul 2025)

Archived snapshot (Wayback Machine) — preserved against link rot

Topics

AI companionship Human-AI relationships Dependency & parasocial attachment Minors' safety Vulnerable users Industry landscape

Cite This

APA

Common Sense Media (2025). Talk, Trust, and Trade-Offs: How and Why Teens Use AI Companions. Common Sense Media. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/talk-trust-and-trade-offs-how-and-why-teens-use-ai-companions