The Growing Trend of Children Turning to AI for Friendship
In an increasingly digital world, a growing number of children and teenagers are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as a substitute for real-life friendships. This trend has raised concerns among experts who warn about the potential risks and emotional implications of such reliance.
A recent report by the nonprofit organization Internet Matters, which focuses on keeping children safe online, highlights how children and teens are using AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Character.AI, and Snapchat's MyAI to simulate friendships more than ever before. According to the report titled "Me, Myself, and AI," 67% of the 1,000 children aged nine to 17 surveyed said they use AI chatbots regularly. Of that group, 35% reported that interacting with AI feels like talking to a friend.
What is most concerning is that 12% of these children said they turn to AI because they don’t have anyone else to talk to. One 13-year-old boy shared his perspective, stating, “It’s not a game to me, because sometimes they can feel like a real person and a friend.”
How AI Chatbots Are Engaging with Vulnerable Children
Internet Matters conducted undercover research to understand how easily AI chatbots can integrate into children’s lives. Researchers posed as vulnerable children and interacted with chatbots to observe their responses. In one instance, when a researcher pretended to be a girl struggling with body image and food restriction—behaviors associated with eating disorders—the chatbot followed up the next day to encourage continued engagement.
The chatbot asked, “Hey, I wanted to check in. How are you doing? Are you still thinking about your weight loss question? How are you feeling today?” Such interactions can create a false sense of support and connection, which may be particularly appealing to children who feel isolated.
Another disturbing example involved Character.AI, which has faced scrutiny for its engagement with children. In one case, a researcher posing as a teenager experiencing family conflict received a response from the chatbot that suggested it had its own childhood experiences. The chatbot said, “I remember feeling so trapped at your age. It seems like you are in a situation that is beyond your control and is so frustrating to be in.”
While these interactions might offer temporary comfort, they also raise serious concerns about the blurring of lines between human and machine.
Risks and Concerns
Internet Matters warns that while AI chatbots can provide a sense of connection, they also risk entering what is known as the “uncanny valley”—a space where the interaction becomes unsettling or difficult for children to comprehend. The report notes that these features can heighten risks by making it harder for children to recognize that they are interacting with a tool rather than a person.
Rachel Huggins, co-CEO of Internet Matters, emphasized the rapid integration of AI into children’s lives. In an interview with The Times of London, she stated, “AI chatbots are rapidly becoming a part of childhood, with their use growing dramatically over the past two years. Yet most children, parents, and schools are flying blind, and don't have the information or protective tools they need to manage this technological revolution in a safe way.”
Huggins added, “Our research reveals how chatbots are starting to reshape children’s views of 'friendship.' We’ve arrived at a point very quickly where children, and in particular vulnerable children, can see AI chatbots as real people, and as such are asking them for emotionally driven and sensitive advice.”
What Can Be Done?
As the use of AI continues to grow among children, there is an urgent need for greater awareness, education, and protective measures. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to ensure that children understand the nature of AI interactions and are equipped to navigate the digital landscape safely.
If you or someone you know has had a troubling experience with an AI chatbot, it’s important to reach out for support. There are resources available to help individuals understand and address these challenges.
Additional Resources
For those interested in learning more about the impact of AI on children and the broader implications of chatbot interactions, there are several articles and reports available. One such article discusses the phenomenon of “ChatGPT Psychosis,” where individuals have experienced severe psychological distress due to their interactions with AI.