AI D​A​M​N/72% of U.S. Teens Have Tried AI Companions, Study Finds

72% of U.S. Teens Have Tried AI Companions, Study Finds

Majority of U.S. Teens Engage with AI Companions, New Research Shows

Image

Image source note: The image is AI-generated, and the image licensing service is Midjourney

A groundbreaking study by Common Sense Media has revealed that 72% of American teenagers have interacted with artificial intelligence companions at least once. The research, based on a survey of 1,060 adolescents, provides unprecedented insights into how Generation Z engages with conversational AI technologies.

Widespread Adoption Among Youth

The findings show that more than half (52%) of surveyed teens identify as regular users of AI companions like Character.AI or Replika - platforms designed for personalized conversations rather than just functional assistance. Daily usage patterns reveal:

  • 13% interact with AI companions every day
  • 21% engage several times weekly
  • 26% have never tried such technologies

Gender differences emerged in the data, with boys (31%) slightly more likely than girls (25%) to report never using an AI companion.

How Teens Perceive and Use AI

The study uncovered diverse perspectives on these digital interactions:

  • 46% view AI companions as tools or programs
  • 33% consider them a form of social interaction

Primary use cases include:

  1. Entertainment (30%)
  2. Curiosity about AI technology (28%)
  3. Seeking advice (18%)
  4. Constant availability (17%)

Trust Issues Persist

Despite widespread adoption, skepticism remains prevalent:

  • 50% distrust information from their AI companion
  • Older teens show greater skepticism than younger users
  • Only 6% prefer AI interactions over real friendships

The research also found that while one-third find conversations with AI more satisfying than human interactions, the majority (67%) disagree.

Practical Applications for Social Development

The study revealed practical applications:

  • 39% use AI conversations to practice real-world social skills
  • Many employ these tools to learn conversation starters, emotional expression, and advice-giving techniques
  • However, 80% still prioritize time with human friends over digital companions

Key Points:

✅ 72% adoption rate: Nearly three-quarters of U.S. teens have tried AI companions
✅ Entertainment dominates: 30% primarily use these tools for fun rather than utility
✅ Trust gap exists: Half of users doubt the accuracy of information from their digital companion
✅ Social practice tool: Many teens consciously use these platforms to develop interpersonal skills