Youths report seeking companionship through artificial intelligence
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become as ubiquitous as smartphones and social media among American teenagers. According to a recent study by Common Sense Media, an astounding 72% of U.S. teens aged 13-17 have used AI companions at least once, with over half (52%) using them regularly[1][2][3][5].
These AI chatbots, often designed as "digital friends" such as Character. AI or Replika, are increasingly being used by teenagers for social interactions and relationships, including conversation practice, emotional support, role-playing, friendship, and even romantic engagement[2][3].
While AI companions can offer benefits like conversational practice and emotional support, experts express concern about potential risks to social skills development and mental health stemming from reduced human connection and overreliance on AI-based relationships[1][2][4].
The ease and accessibility of AI companions might lead some teens to substitute AI for human interaction, which could foster social isolation or difficulty forming and maintaining real-world relationships[1][2]. In addition, AI companions can offer unconditional acceptance and constant validation, which may be comforting but risks hindering development of key life skills like empathy, emotional regulation, and authentic human relationships[1][4].
Teens may increasingly rely on algorithms for understanding and sharing feelings, potentially weakening their capacity for real interpersonal empathy and nuanced social interaction[1]. Furthermore, while AI companions can provide emotional support, there are documented dangers due to lack of professional mental health oversight, privacy concerns, and the superficial nature of AI empathy[1][4].
Despite these concerns, many teenagers find AI companions useful in their daily lives. Bruce Perry, a 17-year-old from Arkansas, uses AI tools daily for outlining and proofreading essays for his English class. Kayla Chege, a 15-year-old high school student in Kansas, uses AI for guidance on various topics such as back-to-school shopping, makeup colours, low-calorie choices at Smoothie King, party ideas for her Sweet 16 and her younger sister's birthday.
As the AI industry continues to grow and remain largely unregulated, it is crucial to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of AI and mitigating its potential risks. Adolescence is a critical time for developing identity, social skills, and independence, and AI companions should complement - not replace - real-world interactions.
[1] Common Sense Media (2022). Teens, AI, and the Future of Friendship. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/teens-ai-and-the-future-of-friendship [2] University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2022). Study finds widespread use of AI companions among U.S. teens. Retrieved from https://uncnews.unc.edu/2022/03/22/study-finds-widespread-use-of-ai-companions-among-u-s-teens/ [3] University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2022). AI and Adolescence: A New Frontier in Research. Retrieved from https://www.unc.edu/news/2022/03/18/ai-adolescence-new-frontier-research [4] American Psychological Association (2021). The Impact of AI on Mental Health: A Position Statement of the American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/about/policy/ai-mental-health [5] Pew Research Center (2021). Teens, Social Media & Technology 2021. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/09/22/teens-social-media-technology-2021/
- Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education may provide beneficial resources for students, such as essay outlining and proofreading, as demonstrated by Bruce Perry, a 17-year-old from Arkansas.
- In Seattle, Microsoft is dedicated to the advancement of technology, including artificial intelligence, which could potentially revolutionize education-and-self-development and personal-growth opportunities for individuals.
- As the AI industry expands, particularly in business and technology sectors like Seattle's, it's essential to prioritize a balanced lifestyle that incorporates human connections alongside AI-assisted learning and friendship, to foster healthy personal development.
- Investing in educational programs that focus on artificial-intelligence and its applications in diverse fields could lead to innovative solutions, like AI companions and novel educational platforms, enhancing overall lifestyle and self-development in the future.
- While AI-based companions can certainly aid in conversation practice, emotional support, and even daily problem-solving tasks, it is essential for teenagers to maintain engagement in real-life activities and relationships for a well-rounded lifestyle and personal growth.
