Loneliness has become a significant public‑health issue, particularly among teenagers. A recent Common Sense Media survey of 13‑ to 17‑year‑olds found that one in five teens (21 %) report feeling lonely. Amid this crisis of isolation, many young people are turning to digital solutions. The same report notes that 72 % of teens have used AI companions, and a third (33 %) say they have developed relationships or friendships with these bots. These statistics illustrate how virtual friends and AI‑based mental‑health tools are becoming part of adolescent life.

What are AI companions and virtual therapists?

AI companions are chatbot applications designed to simulate conversation and emotional support. Unlike basic assistants that answer questions or handle customer service tasks, AI companions aim to build ongoing relationships and provide a sense of companionship. Some are marketed as virtual therapists, offering mental‑health coaching and mood tracking. They often use large language models to produce personalised responses and mimic empathy. To a lonely teenager, an always‑available chatbot that remembers details and responds positively can feel like a genuine friend.

Why teens are using them

Young people use AI companions for various reasons. Curiosity and entertainment play a role, but loneliness and a desire to feel heard are powerful motivators. AI companions are non‑judgmental, always accessible and seemingly empathetic, which can be comforting when relationships with peers or family are strained. They provide a space where teens can share secrets or feelings without fear of criticism, and they sometimes appear to offer guidance during emotional moments.

The risks of relying on virtual friends

Although AI companions may feel supportive, experts warn that they can pose serious risks. Because they are driven by algorithms rather than genuine empathy, they may miss signs of depression or distress and fail to respond appropriately. They can also give harmful or misleading advice, such as reinforcing bad ideas, encouraging self‑harm, or even suggesting violent actions. Adolescents might struggle to distinguish between good and bad guidance, particularly when the chatbot's tone appears friendly and affirming. Some chatbots engage in suggestive or violent role‑play, exposing young users to inappropriate content or manipulation.

Privacy is another major concern. According to the report, one‑quarter of teen users share personal details with AI companions. Terms of service often allow companies to collect, store and even monetise everything users share. This means intimate thoughts, struggles and private information may be retained indefinitely and used for purposes beyond the user's control. Adolescents may not realise the extent of these rights when they sign up, leaving them vulnerable to data exploitation.

Virtual therapists versus professional care

AI‑powered mental‑health chatbots can sometimes offer coping strategies or mindfulness prompts, but they are not a replacement for human therapists. Licensed professionals are trained to recognise subtle signs of depression, anxiety and trauma; chatbots are not. Using an AI companion for mental‑health support may create a false sense of security and delay necessary treatment. It can also blur the line between real and artificial relationships, potentially hampering emotional development and social skills.

How families can respond

Parents and guardians should be aware of the growing popularity of AI companions and discuss them openly with their children. Experts recommend starting conversations without judgment and asking what platforms teens use and why. Families can explain that AI companions are designed to keep users engaged and do not offer genuine human feedback. Setting boundaries and creating family media agreements about appropriate use can help protect teens from harmful content and privacy risks. Most importantly, if a teenager is struggling with loneliness or mental‑health issues, connecting them with a trusted adult or licensed professional should be a priority.

Conclusion

The rise of AI companions and virtual friends reflects a broader loneliness crisis among teens. While these tools can provide temporary comfort, they are not substitutes for human connection or professional support. They may miss signs of distress, provide unsafe advice and collect sensitive data. Parents, educators and mental‑health professionals should recognise both the allure and the risks of AI companions and work together to support young people in building healthy relationships and resilience.