But most of these interactions aren’t about deep connections or support. More than 60% said they used AI friends simply for entertainment or to pass time. Just under half used them to practice social skills or get advice. Less than a third said they turned to AI companions for emotional support. And only about one in four used them to explore romantic feelings.
Many Teens Use AI Daily, But Feelings Are Mixed
Regular use is becoming common. A third of teens who've tried AI companions say they talk to them daily. Another 40% interact weekly. Still, this frequent contact doesn’t always translate into strong trust or satisfaction.
Only a small portion (14%) said they found these companions very helpful. Another 36% found them somewhat useful. But 40% said they didn’t find much value, and about one in ten reported the experience was not helpful at all. Older teens generally viewed AI companions more positively than younger ones.
Trust was another weak point. Around 60% said they trust these AI tools only a little or not at all. Fewer than one in five said they trust them “a lot.” Trust levels were slightly higher among older teens, but skepticism remained widespread.
Some Teens Feel Uncomfortable, Or Worse
Even though many teens enjoy AI chats, a good number expressed discomfort. More than 40% reported feeling awkward or uneasy during interactions. For some, the experience went beyond discomfort. About one in three said they had run into disturbing or unsettling behavior from their AI companions.
Girls were more likely than boys to feel uncomfortable using these tools. And a noticeable share said they eventually stopped using them because something felt off or emotionally weird. This suggests that while AI companions may seem harmless, they sometimes cross boundaries that leave users unsettled.
Parents Are Often Left in the Dark
Parental involvement in this trend is minimal. Just 15% of teens said their parents or guardians have rules around AI companion use. And only about one in five reported talking with an adult about their experiences.
This lack of oversight raises concerns, especially as some of these tools include adult content filters, or charge money to turn them off. At least one company behind an AI companion app was recently sued for allegedly exposing minors to explicit content.
Despite growing use, few teens seem to fully understand how these AI systems work. Only 4% said they know “a lot” about how they function. The majority (around 60%) said they know “only a little” or “nothing at all.”
The Bottom Line
AI companions are quickly becoming part of how teens explore identity, relationships, and even loneliness. But while many are curious and engaged, most remain cautious. With limited understanding, little parental guidance, and a mix of useful and uncomfortable experiences, young users are still figuring out where these tools belong in their lives.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.
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