Startling AI Companion Adoption: 72% of U.S. Teens Embrace Digital Friends

Key Points

1. 72% of U.S. teens aged 13-17 have used an AI companion at least once, with 52% considering themselves regular users and 13% engaging daily.

2. Primary reasons for using AI companions include curiosity about AI technology (28%), social interaction (33%), and practical tools or programs (46%).

3. 50% of teens do not trust advice from AI companions, with skepticism increasing with age (27% among teens aged 13-14).

4. 67% of teens prefer human connections over AI interactions, though some use AI for social skill practice (39%), conversation starters (18%), giving advice (14%), and expressing emotions (13%).

5. Concerns about AI's impact on well-being and privacy exist, with 80% of teens reporting no negative effects, while 6% expressed fears about social isolation.