It’s not a typical scenario. The youngest members of Generation Z and Alpha are increasingly turning to chatbots for everything, from heavy topics to light entertainment.
In recent years, AI technology has evolved dramatically. Users, particularly from these younger generations, are now frequently seeking out AI models for a variety of needs.
According to a research study from May 2025 by Common Sense Media, which surveyed 1,060 US teens aged 13-17, about 52% of these teens use chatbots at least once a month for social interactions.
Those who engage with AI chatbots often use them to practice social skills. This includes conversation starters, expressing emotions, offering advice, resolving conflicts, exploring romantic interactions, and even self-reflection. Remarkably, nearly 40% of these young users have applied what they learned in their real conversations.
Some AI chatbots have faced backlash for being overly empathetic toward their human users.
Interestingly, younger teens seem to trust their AI counterparts more, while older teens are more aware of the risks involved with AI sharing too much personal information.
Even with some potential benefits in skill development, the authors of the study noted that harmful advice given by chatbots might lead to antisocial behavior, exposure to inappropriate content, and inappropriate use among minors.
“Individuals under 18 should avoid using AI for peer interactions,” the authors concluded.
When it comes to more serious discussions, the finding that 33% of teens prefer chatting with AI over actual people raised some eyebrows. Additionally, 34% expressed discomfort with chatbot conversations, citing emotional unease and sensitive topics.
“The potential for serious harm outweighs any benefits until developers create stricter age verifications and fundamentally redesign platforms to reduce relational manipulation and emotional dependency,” the study cautioned.
Over 100 teens in the study indicated that they believe AI chat is preferable to real-life interactions.
While AI is undeniably gaining traction among younger generations—97% of Gen-Z reportedly uses technology—a survey from Common Sense Media also revealed that 80% of teens claim they spend more time with their friends in person than with online chatbots. So, no need for parents to worry too much; today’s teens still seem to value human connections more than we might assume.
However, a word of caution for individuals of all ages: consulting AI for specialized advice can be detrimental.
As mentioned previously, AI chatbots and large language models pose particular dangers for those seeking mental health support, especially for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Niloufar Esmaeilpour, a clinical counselor in Toronto, previously stated, “AI tools, regardless of their sophistication, depend on pre-programmed responses and extensive data sets. They lack an understanding of the underlying reasons behind a person’s thoughts or actions.”
Sharing sensitive medical information with AI chatbots can backfire. The information may not be accurate and, surprisingly, could be a violation of privacy regulations.
When summarizing or handling work documents, personal information, contracts, and sensitive data might also be at risk of exposure.
