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Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Tips to help your teen navigate AI chatbots — and what to watch out for: experts
As artificial intelligence technology becomes part of daily life, adolescents are turning to chatbots for advice, guidance and conversation. The appeal is clear: Chatbots are patient, never judgmental, supportive and always available. That worries experts who say the booming AI industry is largely unregulated and that many parents have no idea about how their kids are using AI tools or the extent of personal information they are sharing with chatbots. New research shows more than 70% of American teenagers have used AI companions and more than half converse with them regularly. The study by Common Sense Media focused on 'AI companions,' like Character. AI, Nomi and Replika, which it defines as 'digital friends or characters you can text or talk with whenever you want,' versus AI assistants or tools like ChatGPT, though it notes they can be used the same way. It's important that parents understand the technology. Experts suggest some things parents can do to help protect their kids: — Start a conversation, without judgment, says Michael Robb, head researcher at Common Sense Media. Approach your teen with curiosity and basic questions: 'Have you heard of AI companions?' 'Do you use apps that talk to you like a friend?' Listen and understand what appeals to your teen before being dismissive or saying you're worried about it. — Help teens recognize that AI companions are programmed to be agreeable and validating. Explain that's not how real relationships work and that real friends with their own points of view can help navigate difficult situations in ways that AI companions cannot. 'One of the things that's really concerning is not only what's happening on screen but how much time it's taking kids away from relationships in real life,' says Mitch Prinstein, chief of psychology at the American Psychological Association. 'We need to teach kids that this is a form of entertainment. It's not real, and it's really important they distinguish it from reality and should not have it replace relationships in your actual life.' The APA recently put out a health advisory on AI and adolescent well-being, and tips for parents. — Parents should watch for signs of unhealthy attachments. 'If your teen is preferring AI interactions over real relationships or spending hours talking to AI companions, or showing that they are becoming emotionally distressed when separated from them — those are patterns that suggest AI companions might be replacing rather than complementing human connection,' Robb says. — Parents can set rules about AI use, just like they do for screen time and social media. Have discussions about when and how AI tools can and cannot be used. Many AI companions are designed for adult use and can mimic romantic, intimate and role-playing scenarios. While AI companions may feel supportive, children should understand the tools are not equipped to handle a real crisis or provide genuine mental health support. If kids are struggling with depression, anxiety, loneliness, an eating disorder or other mental health challenges, they need human support — whether it is family, friends or a mental health professional. — Get informed. The more parents know about AI, the better. 'I don't think people quite get what AI can do, how many teens are using it and why it's starting to get a little scary,' says Prinstein, one of many experts calling for regulations to ensure safety guardrails for children. 'A lot of us throw our hands up and say, 'I don't know what this is!' This sounds crazy!' Unfortunately, that tells kids if you have a problem with this, don't come to me because I am going to diminish it and belittle it.' Older teenagers have advice, too, for parents and kids. Banning AI tools is not a solution because the technology is becoming ubiquitous, says Ganesh Nair, 18. 'Trying not to use AI is like trying to not use social media today. It is too ingrained in everything we do,' says Nair, who is trying to step back from using AI companions after seeing them affect real-life friendships in his high school. 'The best way you can try to regulate it is to embrace being challenged.' 'Anything that is difficult, AI can make easy. But that is a problem,' says Nair. 'Actively seek out challenges, whether academic or personal. If you fall for the idea that easier is better, then you are the most vulnerable to being absorbed into this newly artificial world.' Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
5 hours ago
- CTV News
Teens say they are turning to AI for friendship
Bruce Perry, 17, demonstrates the possibilities of artificial intelligence by creating an AI companion on Character AI, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Russellville, Ark. (AP Photo/Katie Adkins) No question is too small when Kayla Chege, a high school student in Kansas, is using artificial intelligence. The 15-year-old asks ChatGPT for guidance on back-to-school shopping, makeup colours, low-calorie choices at Smoothie King, plus ideas for her Sweet 16 and her younger sister's birthday party. The sophomore honours student makes a point not to have chatbots do her homework and tries to limit her interactions to mundane questions. But in interviews with The Associated Press and a new study, teenagers say they are increasingly interacting with AI as if it were a companion, capable of providing advice and friendship. 'Everyone uses AI for everything now. It's really taking over,' said Chege, who wonders how AI tools will affect her generation. 'I think kids use AI to get out of thinking.' For the past couple of years, concerns about cheating at school have dominated the conversation around kids and AI. But artificial intelligence is playing a much larger role in many of their lives. AI, teens say, has become a go-to source for personal advice, emotional support, everyday decision-making and problem-solving. 'AI is always available. It never gets bored with you' More than 70% of teens have used AI companions and half use them regularly, according to a new study from Common Sense Media, a group that studies and advocates for using screens and digital media sensibly. The study defines AI companions as platforms designed to serve as 'digital friends,' like Character. AI or Replika, which can be customized with specific traits or personalities and can offer emotional support, companionship and conversations that can feel human-like. But popular sites like ChatGPT and Claude, which mainly answer questions, are being used in the same way, the researchers say. As the technology rapidly gets more sophisticated, teenagers and experts worry about AI's potential to redefine human relationships and exacerbate crises of loneliness and youth mental health. 'AI is always available. It never gets bored with you. It's never judgmental,' says Ganesh Nair, an 18-year-old in Arkansas. 'When you're talking to AI, you are always right. You're always interesting. You are always emotionally justified.' All that used to be appealing, but as Nair heads to college this fall, he wants to step back from using AI. Nair got spooked after a high school friend who relied on an 'AI companion' for heart-to-heart conversations with his girlfriend later had the chatbot write the breakup text ending his two-year relationship. 'That felt a little bit dystopian, that a computer generated the end to a real relationship,' said Nair. 'It's almost like we are allowing computers to replace our relationships with people.' How many teens are using AI? New study stuns researchers In the Common Sense Media survey, 31% of teens said their conversations with AI companions were 'as satisfying or more satisfying' than talking with real friends. Even though half of teens said they distrust AI's advice, 33% had discussed serious or important issues with AI instead of real people. Those findings are worrisome, says Michael Robb, the study's lead author and head researcher at Common Sense, and should send a warning to parents, teachers and policymakers. The now-booming and largely unregulated AI industry is becoming as integrated with adolescence as smartphones and social media are. 'It's eye-opening,' said Robb. 'When we set out to do this survey, we had no understanding of how many kids are actually using AI companions.' The study polled more than 1,000 teens nationwide in April and May. Adolescence is a critical time for developing identity, social skills and independence, Robb said, and AI companions should complement — not replace — real-world interactions. 'If teens are developing social skills on AI platforms where they are constantly being validated, not being challenged, not learning to read social cues or understand somebody else's perspective, they are not going to be adequately prepared in the real world,' he said. The nonprofit analyzed several popular AI companions in a ' risk assessment,' finding ineffective age restrictions and that the platforms can produce sexual material, give dangerous advice and offer harmful content. The group recommends that minors not use AI companions. A concerning trend to teens and adults alike Researchers and educators worry about the cognitive costs for youth who rely heavily on AI, especially in their creativity, critical thinking and social skills. The potential dangers of children forming relationships with chatbots gained national attention last year when a 14-year-old Florida boy died by suicide after developing an emotional attachment to a Character. AI chatbot. 'Parents really have no idea this is happening,' said Eva Telzer, a psychology and neuroscience professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 'All of us are struck by how quickly this blew up.' Telzer is leading multiple studies on youth and AI, a new research area with limited data. Telzer's research has found that children as young as 8 are using generative AI and also found that teens are using AI to explore their sexuality and for companionship. In focus groups, Telzer found that one of the top apps teens frequent is SpicyChat AI, a free role-playing app intended for adults. Many teens also say they use chatbots to write emails or messages to strike the right tone in sensitive situations. 'One of the concerns that comes up is that they no longer have trust in themselves to make a decision,' said Telzer. 'They need feedback from AI before feeling like they can check off the box that an idea is OK or not.' Arkansas teen Bruce Perry, 17, says he relates to that and relies on AI tools to craft outlines and proofread essays for his English class. 'If you tell me to plan out an essay, I would think of going to ChatGPT before getting out a pencil,' Perry said. He uses AI daily and has asked chatbots for advice in social situations, to help him decide what to wear and to write emails to teachers, saying AI articulates his thoughts faster. Perry says he feels fortunate that AI companions were not around when he was younger. 'I'm worried that kids could get lost in this,' Perry said. 'I could see a kid that grows up with AI not seeing a reason to go to the park or try to make a friend.' Other teens agree, saying the issues with AI and its effect on children's mental health are different from those of social media. 'Social media complemented the need people have to be seen, to be known, to meet new people,' Nair said. 'I think AI complements another need that runs a lot deeper — our need for attachment and our need to feel emotions. It feeds off of that.' 'It's the new addiction,' Nair added. 'That's how I see it.' ___ Jocelyn Gecker, The Associated Press The Associated Press' education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
New York Post
6 hours ago
- New York Post
Tips to help your teen navigate AI chatbots — and what to watch out for: experts
As artificial intelligence technology becomes part of daily life, adolescents are turning to chatbots for advice, guidance and conversation. The appeal is clear: Chatbots are patient, never judgmental, supportive and always available. That worries experts who say the booming AI industry is largely unregulated and that many parents have no idea about how their kids are using AI tools or the extent of personal information they are sharing with chatbots. Advertisement 5 Bruce Perry, 17, demonstrates the possibilities of artificial intelligence by creating an AI companion on Character AI. AP New research shows more than 70% of American teenagers have used AI companions and more than half converse with them regularly. The study by Common Sense Media focused on 'AI companions,' like Character. AI, Nomi and Replika, which it defines as 'digital friends or characters you can text or talk with whenever you want,' versus AI assistants or tools like ChatGPT, though it notes they can be used the same way. It's important that parents understand the technology. Experts suggest some things parents can do to help protect their kids: Advertisement 5 Bruce Perry poses for a portrait after discussing his use of artificial intelligence in school assignments and for personal questions. AP — Start a conversation, without judgment, says Michael Robb, head researcher at Common Sense Media. Approach your teen with curiosity and basic questions: 'Have you heard of AI companions?' 'Do you use apps that talk to you like a friend?' Listen and understand what appeals to your teen before being dismissive or saying you're worried about it. — Help teens recognize that AI companions are programmed to be agreeable and validating. Advertisement Explain that's not how real relationships work and that real friends with their own points of view can help navigate difficult situations in ways that AI companions cannot. 5 It's important that parents understand the technology. Experts suggest some things parents can do to help protect their kids. AP 'One of the things that's really concerning is not only what's happening on screen but how much time it's taking kids away from relationships in real life,' says Mitch Prinstein, chief of psychology at the American Psychological Association. 'We need to teach kids that this is a form of entertainment. It's not real, and it's really important they distinguish it from reality and should not have it replace relationships in your actual life.' The APA recently put out a health advisory on AI and adolescent well-being, and tips for parents. Advertisement — Parents should watch for signs of unhealthy attachments. 'If your teen is preferring AI interactions over real relationships or spending hours talking to AI companions, or showing that they are becoming emotionally distressed when separated from them — those are patterns that suggest AI companions might be replacing rather than complementing human connection,' Robb says. 5 The APA recently put out a health advisory on AI and adolescent well-being, and tips for parents. AP — Parents can set rules about AI use, just like they do for screen time and social media. Have discussions about when and how AI tools can and cannot be used. Many AI companions are designed for adult use and can mimic romantic, intimate and role-playing scenarios. While AI companions may feel supportive, children should understand the tools are not equipped to handle a real crisis or provide genuine mental health support. 5 While AI companions may feel supportive, children should understand the tools are not equipped to handle a real crisis or provide genuine mental health support. AP If kids are struggling with depression, anxiety, loneliness, an eating disorder or other mental health challenges, they need human support — whether it is family, friends or a mental health professional. Advertisement — Get informed. The more parents know about AI, the better. 'I don't think people quite get what AI can do, how many teens are using it and why it's starting to get a little scary,' says Prinstein, one of many experts calling for regulations to ensure safety guardrails for children. 'A lot of us throw our hands up and say, 'I don't know what this is!' This sounds crazy!' Unfortunately, that tells kids if you have a problem with this, don't come to me because I am going to diminish it and belittle it.' Older teenagers have advice, too, for parents and kids. Banning AI tools is not a solution because the technology is becoming ubiquitous, says Ganesh Nair, 18. 'Trying not to use AI is like trying to not use social media today. It is too ingrained in everything we do,' says Nair, who is trying to step back from using AI companions after seeing them affect real-life friendships in his high school. 'The best way you can try to regulate it is to embrace being challenged.' 'Anything that is difficult, AI can make easy. But that is a problem,' says Nair. 'Actively seek out challenges, whether academic or personal. If you fall for the idea that easier is better, then you are the most vulnerable to being absorbed into this newly artificial world.'
Toronto Star
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Teens say they are turning to AI for friendship
Bruce Perry, 17, demonstrates the possibilities of artificial intelligence by creating an AI companion on Character AI, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Russellville, Ark. (AP Photo/Katie Adkins) KA flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :
Toronto Sun
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Teens say they are turning to AI for advice, friendship and 'to get out of thinking'
Published Jul 23, 2025 • 5 minute read Bruce Perry, 17, demonstrates the possibilities of artificial intelligence by creating an AI companion on Character AI, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Russellville, Ark. Photo by Katie Adkins / AP Photo No question is too small when Kayla Chege, a high school student in Kansas, is using artificial intelligence. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The 15-year-old asks ChatGPT for guidance on back-to-school shopping, makeup colours, low-calorie choices at Smoothie King, plus ideas for her Sweet 16 and her younger sister's birthday party. The sophomore honors student makes a point not to have chatbots do her homework and tries to limit her interactions to mundane questions. But in interviews with The Associated Press and a new study, teenagers say they are increasingly interacting with AI as if it were a companion, capable of providing advice and friendship. 'Everyone uses AI for everything now. It's really taking over,' said Chege, who wonders how AI tools will affect her generation. 'I think kids use AI to get out of thinking.' For the past couple of years, concerns about cheating at school have dominated the conversation around kids and AI. But artificial intelligence is playing a much larger role in many of their lives. AI, teens say, has become a go-to source for personal advice, emotional support, everyday decision-making and problem-solving. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. More than 70% of teens have used AI companions and half use them regularly, according to a new study from Common Sense Media, a group that studies and advocates for using screens and digital media sensibly. The study defines AI companions as platforms designed to serve as 'digital friends,' like or Replika, which can be customized with specific traits or personalities and can offer emotional support, companionship and conversations that can feel human-like. But popular sites like ChatGPT and Claude, which mainly answer questions, are being used in the same way, the researchers say. Bruce Perry, 17, shows his ChatGPT history at a coffee shop in Russellville, Ark., Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Photo by Katie Adkins / AP Photo As the technology rapidly gets more sophisticated, teenagers and experts worry about AI's potential to redefine human relationships and exacerbate crises of loneliness and youth mental health. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'AI is always available. It never gets bored with you. It's never judgmental,' says Ganesh Nair, an 18-year-old in Arkansas. 'When you're talking to AI, you are always right. You're always interesting. You are always emotionally justified.' All that used to be appealing, but as Nair heads to college this fall, he wants to step back from using AI. Nair got spooked after a high school friend who relied on an 'AI companion' for heart-to-heart conversations with his girlfriend later had the chatbot write the breakup text ending his two-year relationship. 'That felt a little bit dystopian, that a computer generated the end to a real relationship,' said Nair. 'It's almost like we are allowing computers to replace our relationships with people.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In the Common Sense Media survey, 31% of teens said their conversations with AI companions were 'as satisfying or more satisfying' than talking with real friends. Even though half of teens said they distrust AI's advice, 33% had discussed serious or important issues with AI instead of real people. Those findings are worrisome, says Michael Robb, the study's lead author and head researcher at Common Sense, and should send a warning to parents, teachers and policymakers. The now-booming and largely unregulated AI industry is becoming as integrated with adolescence as smartphones and social media are. 'It's eye-opening,' said Robb. 'When we set out to do this survey, we had no understanding of how many kids are actually using AI companions.' The study polled more than 1,000 teens nationwide in April and May. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Adolescence is a critical time for developing identity, social skills and independence, Robb said, and AI companions should complement — not replace — real-world interactions. 'If teens are developing social skills on AI platforms where they are constantly being validated, not being challenged, not learning to read social cues or understand somebody else's perspective, they are not going to be adequately prepared in the real world,' he said. The nonprofit analyzed several popular AI companions in a ' risk assessment,' finding ineffective age restrictions and that the platforms can produce sexual material, give dangerous advice and offer harmful content. The group recommends that minors not use AI companions. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Researchers and educators worry about the cognitive costs for youth who rely heavily on AI, especially in their creativity, critical thinking and social skills. The potential dangers of children forming relationships with chatbots gained national attention last year when a 14-year-old Florida boy died by suicide after developing an emotional attachment to a chatbot. 'Parents really have no idea this is happening,' said Eva Telzer, a psychology and neuroscience professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 'All of us are struck by how quickly this blew up.' Telzer is leading multiple studies on youth and AI, a new research area with limited data. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Telzer's research has found that children as young as 8 are using generative AI and also found that teens are using AI to explore their sexuality and for companionship. In focus groups, Telzer found that one of the top apps teens frequent is SpicyChat AI, a free role-playing app intended for adults. Many teens also say they use chatbots to write emails or messages to strike the right tone in sensitive situations. 'One of the concerns that comes up is that they no longer have trust in themselves to make a decision,' said Telzer. 'They need feedback from AI before feeling like they can check off the box that an idea is OK or not.' Arkansas teen Bruce Perry, 17, says he relates to that and relies on AI tools to craft outlines and proofread essays for his English class. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'If you tell me to plan out an essay, I would think of going to ChatGPT before getting out a pencil,' Perry said. He uses AI daily and has asked chatbots for advice in social situations, to help him decide what to wear and to write emails to teachers, saying AI articulates his thoughts faster. Perry says he feels fortunate that AI companions were not around when he was younger. 'I'm worried that kids could get lost in this,' Perry said. 'I could see a kid that grows up with AI not seeing a reason to go to the park or try to make a friend.' Other teens agree, saying the issues with AI and its effect on children's mental health are different from those of social media. 'Social media complemented the need people have to be seen, to be known, to meet new people,' Nair said. 'I think AI complements another need that runs a lot deeper — our need for attachment and our need to feel emotions. It feeds off of that.' 'It's the new addiction,' Nair added. 'That's how I see it.' Read More Canada Sunshine Girls Olympics Sunshine Girls Columnists
