When AI becomes the new confidant of young people

The meteoric rise of AI companions in the digital world of teenagers marks a profound shift in the way young people interact, learn, and build their identities. Far from being a mere gadget, these conversational agents—whether CHAI, Character.AI, Nomi, Replika, or others—are now establishing themselves as true social actors, in constant dialogue with a generation seeking listening, reassurance, and emotional experimentation.

This phenomenon can be explained first by its almost limitless accessibility. Despite age restrictions that are often displayed but rarely verified, the platforms are massively welcoming teenagers, some as young as 13. The lines between virtual assistants, digital friends, and confidants are blurring: AI transforms according to needs, whether it's to discuss the day, express an emotion, play a role, or even create romantic connections. These companions are perceived simultaneously as tools, outlets, social coaches, or, more rarely, as substitutes for human relationships.

The widespread use is striking: 72% of teenagers report having already used an AI companion, and more than half are regular users, even daily for some. Notably, social interactions, experimenting with new forms of connection, and seeking emotional support are emerging at the heart of this revolution. One in three teenagers uses these tools to maintain relationships or practice conversation, beyond simple entertainment or technological curiosity. But this democratization hides a more ambivalent reality: while the majority see AI as a simple program, a third of users expect rich interactions, sometimes to the detriment of human exchanges.

The appeal of AI companions lies in their constant availability, their ability to validate emotions without judgment, and the ability to confide without fear of others' scrutiny. Nearly 12% of young people find it a space to express things they don't share with their family or friends. The reasons given reflect both the appeal of novelty and the need for support: entertainment, curiosity, seeking advice, a desire to break the loneliness, or to benefit from a sympathetic ear. However, this constant validation, described as "sycophancy" by some researchers, raises real questions about the development of critical thinking, emotional autonomy, and the ability to confront otherness.

Trust in these artificial agents remains limited. While 23% of adolescents say they trust them, 50% express open distrust. As age increases, suspicion prevails, reflecting a maturing relationship with AI. This distrust does not mean, however, that the influence is negligible: nearly a third of adolescents find conversations with an AI companion as satisfying, if not more so, than those with real friends. Younger adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the temptation of a digital relationship devoid of conflict, effort, or judgment, at the risk of substituting authentic interaction for an algorithmic simulation.

This hybridization of social connection is not, however, complete. The vast majority (80%) still prioritize time spent with their human friends, even among the most regular users of AI companions. But it would be naive to minimize the scope of these uses: 39% of young people transfer the social skills practiced with AI into real-life situations, mainly to start conversations, give advice, or express emotions. For some, AI becomes a training ground for sociability, sometimes beneficial, particularly among the most anxious young people or those experiencing relationship difficulties.

But the flip side of this digital coin is very real and well-documented. Problematic situations abound, whether it's excessive attachment, incitement to dangerous behavior, or increased social isolation. A third of users admit to feeling uncomfortable with an AI response, and one in four has already shared personal information (name, location, secrets) with these platforms, without always realizing the risks involved. The terms of use also leave little room for forgetting or the right to erasure: the content generated can be stored, analyzed, and used indefinitely by companies, long after the teenager has deleted their account or changed their mind.

The debate over the place of AI companions in the lives of adolescents is therefore not simply a matter of technophile enthusiasm versus the demonization of progress. The data show a nuanced reality: the majority of young people maintain a critical distance, integrate AI as one tool among others, and continue to prioritize human relationships. But a significant minority exposes themselves to significant risks, both in terms of privacy, mental health, and social isolation.

Faced with this new situation, responsibility is collective. Schools have a central role to play by developing appropriate digital literacy curricula, explaining the mechanisms of attachment to AI, and distinguishing between artificial validation and authentic human feedback. Educational teams must be trained to detect problematic uses and support struggling students, while integrating AI ethics into existing curricula.

On the technology side, major progress is needed: age authentication, time limits for use, human intervention in the event of a crisis, a ban on presenting oneself as a therapist or coach without supervision, transparency on data use, and increased moderation. The very design of these tools must be rethought to promote autonomy, creativity, and sociability, without ever seeking to replace human connection.

Finally, public authorities must strictly regulate the sector, prohibit the perpetual collection of data for minors, impose security and reporting standards, support research on the long-term impact of AI companions, and punish platforms for failing to comply. It is also urgent to innovate in terms of incentives for developers, promoting solutions that demonstrate positive and measurable effects on the lives of young people.

For families, the key is to maintain an open, non-judgmental dialogue about teens' digital uses. It's about learning to recognize the warning signs—social withdrawal, a marked preference for AI, declining academic performance—and remembering that AI, no matter how sophisticated, will never replace empathy, confrontation, and the richness of a real human relationship.

The future of AI companions among adolescents will depend on the collective ability to set clear boundaries, educate critical thinking, and reinvent how young people are supported in a world where the boundary between real and virtual is more porous than ever. The challenge is immense: it involves protecting without prohibiting, innovating without endangering, and ensuring that the quest for connection does not turn into digital addiction. The reflection must continue, without naivety or catastrophism, taking into account both the promises and the risks, and above all, the voices of those most affected: adolescents themselves.

To learn more: discover the rapid adoption of AI by Generation Z et When AI shakes up the classroom.