Virtual Life

Common Sense Media and Internet Matters released two surveys regarding teenagers and their engagement with chatbots.

My inbox flooded with analysis:

• Technosapiens: "Are AI Companions replacing real friends?"

• AI x Education: "10 Biggest Updates in AI and Education This Week- July 21st Edition", see #5, 6, and 7

• Education Disrupted: "1/3 of Teens Have Chatbot Friends"

And I'm sure there's more coming! So let's add my two cents.

AI Generated

The Data

Common Sense Media surveyed 1,060 teens in the United States in April and May of 2025. A couple of keep data points from their document:

• 72% of teens have used AI companions

• 52% are regular users (a few times a month or more)

• 9% use companions as "a friend or best friend"

• 8% for "romantic or flirtatious interactions"

• In terms of trust, 50% do not trust, 27% somewhat trust, 23% completely or quite a bit - with there be a split between 13-14 year olds (27%) and 15-17 year olds (20%)

• In terms of satisfaction, 67% fine it less satisfying, 21% about the same, 10% more satisfying

• 24% of companion users (n=758) have shared personal or private information ("such as their real name, location or personal secrets")

Internet Matters conducted a survey 1,000 children (ages 9-17) and 2,000 parents (of children ages 3-17) in the UK in April and May of 2025. In June, they conducted four sixty-minute focus groups with 27 children aged 13-17 who regularly use chatbots. These were grouped by age. Key findings from their report (which also included an expert panel and simulated children interaction on ChatGPT, snapchat, and character . ai):

• 64% have used a chatbot (with ChatGPT, Gemini, and Snapchat all having 30% or more share)

• 71% of vulnerable children have used a chatbot (vulnerable defined as having an "Education, Health, and Care Plan, who receive special education needs, or what have a physical or mental health condition"

• 6% use chatbots for a friend

• 3% for emotional help or therapy

• 26% of vulnerable children would "rather talk to an AI cjhatbot than a real person" vs 12% of nonvulnerable children

• 58% of children ages 9-12 (and thus below the required age of 13 in agreements) have used chatbots

My Thoughts

A valuable data point if not a shocking one as AI usage continues to grow across ages and uses. It will be curious to see the upward limit (i.e. does growth stop at 90%?) and how such a number contrasts with cellphone, social media, and other "technology" usage - all of which is having a bit of a backlash.

I believe this data continues to highlight the social dangers of chatbots socially and the importance that we get it right - educating students on what AI is and what is not. This remains key especially for the "outsiders" who may struggle with regular "normal" social contact. One positive is that both reports point to the usage of AI to practice for social situations - something that might support such individuals and points to an opportunity.

If anything this data underlies the point that all cell phone and internet usage must be monitored by parents and responsible adults. Our best minds are being used to make this technology as addicting as possible. From Roblox to social media - our society will need to reckon with the pornography, violence, and isolation that the internet has inundated our children with - something unparalleled in history. And something having massive effects already -- with nearly 2% of young women posting on OnlyFans and tens of millions of users having accounts. We are certainly entering decadence and unless we monitor and educate the next generation the fall will become precipitous.