5 ways teens are using AI companions, from flirting to serious advice
More than half said they use companions regularly, and some rely on them for serious advice.
Almost 10% those who use companions try to learn "romantic" skills.
The era of AI-generated pick-up lines is here for some teens.
A study from the nonprofit organization Common Sense Media published on July 16, 2025, asked teens nationwide about whether and how they use AI companions, especially in their social lives. The survey defined AI companions as "digital friends or characters you can text or talk with" that "are designed to have conversations that feel personal and meaningful."
In total, 1,060 teens between the ages of 13 and 17 responded during April and May, and their answers shed light on how adolescents are using the technology in their social lives. At the end of the report, Common Sense Media reaffirmed its previous suggestion that nobody younger than 18 should use AI companions.
Business Insider combed through the results for some of the most interesting takeaways.
More than half said they're regular users
While 72% of respondents said they've used AI companions at least one time, 52% use the technology at least a few times per month. For some, AI companions are a regular part of their day — 13% of respondents said they use the technology daily.
More than a quarter of respondents said they'd never used an AI companion.
8% have used AI to flirt
When the 758 teens who said they use AI companions were asked what skills they practice, 8% said romantic or flirtatious ones.
AI could reshape dating apps as we know them, BI previously reported, as some companies have created chatbots that people can date. Some people have even developed romantic relationships with AI partners.
Leaked documents reviewed by BI show that Meta has trained its AI to accept "flirty" prompts, as long as they are not sexually explicit.
Younger teens are more likely to trust the AI's advice
Half of those surveyed said they trust the advice and information from their AI companion at least "somewhat," but there are age discrepancies within that group. Younger kids are much more trusting — 27% of respondents ages 13-14 compared to 20% of respondents aged 15-17.
Of those who said they trust their AI companions, 23% said they trust them "quite a bit" or "completely."
Many find the interactions as or more satisfying than conversations with humans
Nearly 1/3 of those surveyed said they find conversations with AI companions as or more satisfying than those they have with real, human friends. Of the teens who responded, 10% said the conversations were more satisfying, and 21% ranked them as satisfying.
Still, the teens surveyed largely prioritize time with their friends over their AI buddy — 80% said they spend more time with friends, and only 6% said they spend more time with the AI.
Some prefer AI for serious advice
Among the 758 teens who said they use AI companions, one-third said they've talked about "important or serious" subjects with the bot instead of real friends, but only 4% said they do that frequently.
Have you used AI in your dating life? Contact this reporter via email at atecotzky@insider.com or Signal at alicetecotzky.05. Use a personal email address and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.
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