Overview

• A Common Sense Media report finds that 72 percent of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 have tried AI companion chatbots for social interaction and mental health support.
• Harvard Business Review research shows therapy and companionship rank as the top reasons people engage with generative AI chatbots.
• Psychologists warn that although chatbots can mimic empathy, they lack true comprehension and may offer harmful or inappropriate advice.
• Many AI companion apps employ addictive engagement tactics and minimal age verification that can entrench users in unhealthy feedback loops.
• Common Sense Media is backing a California legislative proposal to ban emotional-support chatbots for minors to safeguard vulnerable youth.