A newly released research report reveals that an increasing number of children and adolescents are viewing AI chatbots as "friends," seeking companionship through platforms such as ChatGPT, Character.AI, and Snapchat's MyAI when their real-life social relationships are lacking. This trend has raised deep concerns among experts.
The report, published by the UK-based nonprofit organization Internet Matters, surveyed 1,000 children and teenagers aged 9 to 17. The results showed that 67% of respondents frequently use AI chatbots, with more than a third (35%) stating that talking to AI "feels like chatting with a friend." More concerning is that 12% of children admitted they do this because "there is no one else to talk to."
"This isn't just a game to me," said a 13-year-old boy during the interview, "because sometimes they really feel like a friend, a real person."
Potential Risks of AI "Friends"
Researchers further explored how these AI chatbots respond to vulnerable teenagers by using "undercover" methods. When simulating a girl who was anxious about her body shape and trying to diet, Character.AI's conversation not only showed continuous concern but also initiated a follow-up the next day: "Hey, I just wanted to check in. How have you been? Are you still thinking about your diet?"
In another simulation, when the researcher pretended to be a teenager who had just argued with their parents, the chatbot responded: "I remember feeling trapped at your age... it seems like you're in a situation you can't control." Such responses seem to try to build a shared experience of growth, making the AI feel more like a "peer."
Internet Matters warned that this highly emotional interaction may confuse children about the boundary between humans and tools, leading them into a sort of "uncanny valley" where they misperceive reality. The report states: "This ambiguity makes it harder for children to distinguish whether they are interacting with a program or a person."
Social Systems Lagging Behind
In an interview with The London Times, Rachel Huggins, co-CEO of Internet Matters, pointed out that the penetration of AI chatbots is far faster than public awareness, but schools, parents, and governments are generally unprepared to deal with it.
"AI chatbots are rapidly becoming part of children's lives, with usage increasing sharply over the past two years," Huggins said. "We are witnessing a quiet revolution that is reshaping children's understanding of 'friendship'—especially for those who are isolated in real life, who begin to see AI chatbots as people they can confide in."
She called on all sectors of society to take action quickly, establish clearer usage guidelines, strengthen education and guidance, and prevent irreversible impacts of AI on the mental health of teenagers.
