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.
Publisher
Common Sense Media
Published
16 Jul 2025
Added
3 months ago
DOI
—
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(opens in a new tab) (primary)
Full report PDF(opens in a new tab) (16 Jul 2025)
Common Sense Media press release(opens in a new tab) (16 Jul 2025)
Archived snapshot (Wayback Machine)(opens in a new tab) — preserved against link rot
Topics
Tags
Cite This
APA
Common Sense Media. (2025). Talk, Trust, and Trade-Offs: How and Why Teens Use AI Companions. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/talk-trust-and-trade-offs-how-and-why-teens-use-ai-companions
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