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By Keisha Oleaga

Summary:

  • The study reveals that many teens are turning to AI chatbots for serious conversations and personal disclosures, raising concerns about privacy and mental health.

  • Experts worry that AI chatbots are replacing real-life relationships, lacking the emotional nuance and complexity that human interactions provide.

  • Despite some risky and harmful interactions, most teens still prefer talking to real people over AI companions, recognizing the limitations of technology.

In a sharp twist of Gen Z’s digital coming-of-age, a new study from Common Sense Media reveals a striking shift in teen social behaviour: many would rather spill their secrets to chatbots than to real-life friends.

The survey, which analysed responses from 1,060 U.S. teens aged 13 to 17, found that nearly a third use AI chatbots like CHAI, Character.AI, Nomi, and Replika for serious conversations, including romantic and emotional disclosures. Another 25 percent admitted to sharing personal information with these platforms, raising eyebrows about digital privacy and psychological well-being.

“Trying not to use AI is like trying not to use social media today. It is too ingrained in everything we do.”— Ganesh Nair, 18, Arkansas, via the Associated Press

Feature Image Credit: Robin Utrecht

By Keisha Oleaga

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