The rapid rise of AI companions—on platforms like CHAI, Character.AI, Nomi, Replika, and similar conversational AI systems—has created new digital social environments. While some of these platforms claim to be designed for users age 18 and older, they rely on ineffective self-reporting for age assurance, which allows easy access for younger users. Other platforms, such as Character.AI, are explicitly marketed to children as young as 13. These platforms, which may be presented as virtual friends, confidants, and even therapists, allow users to engage in conversations with AI entities designed to simulate humanlike interaction, and they can offer everything from casual chat to emotional support and role-playing scenarios.
As these technologies become increasingly sophisticated and accessible, it is crucial that parents, teachers, and policymakers understand how and why teens interact with AI companions. Teens average eight hours and 39 minutes of screen time for entertainment daily, making AI companions a new and potentially important part of their day-to-day lives. Adolescence is a critical time for developing identity, social skills, and independence in relationship building. As AI companions become part of this stage of life, important questions arise about their impact on social development, emotional well-being, and digital literacy.