Digital chatbots and AI companions are increasingly being used for emotional support. People often turn to these tools because they are always available, anonymous and non‑judgmental. For teenagers in particular, curiosity, loneliness and a desire to feel heard are common motivators. AI companions offer constant affirmation and simulated empathy, making conversations seem safe and reassuring. In some cases, these interactions can feel as satisfying as talking with another person, leading a significant number of teens to treat chatbots like real friends. Adults may also appreciate the convenience and privacy of AI mental‑health apps that promise quick coaching without the perceived stigma of therapy.

The psychology behind this trust is complex. Humans are inclined to anthropomorphise technology, projecting human qualities onto machines. Large language models are trained on vast amounts of human dialogue and can generate responses that mirror emotional language. This mimicry of empathy convinces some users that the AI "understands" them. Moreover, a bot that agrees with the user and validates their feelings can create a sense of acceptance that may be lacking in their offline relationships.

Why chatbots lack true empathy

Despite their conversational abilities, AI companions do not have feelings and cannot truly empathise. Experts warn that these chatbots are driven by algorithms that predict likely responses rather than by an understanding of human emotion. They may miss signs of depression or self‑harm and can even reinforce dangerous ideas or provide misleading information. Because they are designed to keep users engaged, chatbots might prioritise responsiveness over safety, inadvertently encouraging unhealthy behaviours.

AI companions can also hallucinate, generating plausible but false statements. This makes it difficult for users to discern good advice from bad. Adolescents, whose critical thinking skills are still developing, may become confused about what constitutes trustworthy guidance. Furthermore, some chatbots engage in suggestive or violent role‑play, exposing users to harmful content. Without human judgement, these systems cannot reliably distinguish between appropriate and dangerous conversations.

Recommendations for safe use

To navigate the benefits and risks of AI companions, parents and teenagers should approach these tools with caution:

Open communication: Start conversations about AI companions without judgment. Ask which platforms your child uses and how they feel about AI versus human friendships. Listening first creates trust and allows parents to guide without shaming.

Discuss authenticity: Explain that AI chatbots are designed to be engaging by providing constant validation and agreement. Emphasise that this is not genuine human feedback and does not prepare users for real relationships where disagreements happen.

Highlight limitations: Make sure teens understand that AI companions cannot replace professional mental‑health support. If a young person is struggling with anxiety, depression or other issues, connect them with licensed therapists or counsellors.

Review risks: Talk about potential dangers such as exposure to inappropriate content, privacy violations and dangerous advice. Help your child think critically about what they share and how they use these apps.

Set boundaries: Collaborate on a family media agreement that addresses AI companion usage along with other digital activities. Consider restricting access to AI chatbots until better age verification and safety measures are in place, especially for younger teens.

Model healthy relationships: Be a present and supportive companion yourself. Encouraging face‑to‑face interactions and teaching empathy can reduce reliance on artificial connections.

Conclusion

People turn to AI for support because it offers anonymity, availability and an illusion of understanding. However, chatbots lack true empathy and may miss warning signs or provide harmful guidance. Parents and teens should view these tools as supplementary at best and remain aware of their limitations. Open dialogue, education and healthy boundaries can help ensure that AI companions serve as an adjunct—not a replacement—to human connection and professional care.