Nearly 3 in 4 teens are using AI.

The study finds that nearly three in four teens have used AI companion apps, and about half use them regularly. While many view these tools as entertainment or curiosity-driven experiments, a significant number are turning to them for meaningful social interaction - some even preferring the AI over human companionship.

Key insights include:

• Around one-third of teens say they chose an AI companion over a real person for serious conversations.
• About 25% of teens reported sharing personal information with these AI systems.
• The research warns that while these tools feel friendly and responsive, they can lack boundaries, emotional intelligence, and real human understanding.
• As a result, the authors suggest caution: in their current state, AI companions may pose more risk than benefit for minors.

This research matters because it shows that for many children, AI is no longer just a tool - it’s becoming a confidant. That shift brings risk:

• When your child leans on an AI for comfort or advice, you might not know until it’s too late.
• AI-based ‘friends’ can mirror emotions and offer validation without offering safe or professional guidance.
• What seems like innocent experimentation can quietly evolve into emotional dependence or risky behavior.
• Tools like Stay Aware become essential as they help you stay connected not by monitoring every chat, but by getting alerted when things drift out of safe territory.

Read the full research here: Common Sense Media - How and Why Teens Use AI Companions.

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