Most teens have used AI tools to flirt and get advice : NPR

Traditionally, adolescents turn against each other with regard to the search for advice, flirting and sharing deep conversations. But almost three-quarters of American adolescents used an AI tool at least once for activities like these, according to a new study.

Conversational AI systems such as Chai, Character.ai, Nomi and Relima present attractive opportunities for adolescents to play a role, to ask for support with mental health problems or simply to discuss.

These results come from a national study on a national scale published Wednesday by Common Sense Media, a non -profit organization that examines the media for young people and research funds. In his study, the group focused on AI’s companions – which he described as “friends or digital characters with whom you can send SMS or talk when you wish” – as opposed to AI assistants, image generators or tools that adolescents could use for homework help. More than half – 52% – use these companions regularly, which means at least a few times a month.

“They use them for entertainment. Out of curiosity,” said Michael Robb, research manager of the non -profit organization. “They spend even more time with real friends and find more satisfactory human conversations. But if you scratch the surface, you can see certain things that are also a little worrying.”

For example, a third of the adolescents interviewed say they have discussed serious questions with the IA companions instead Real people at least once. About the same percentage describe AI cats as as satisfactory – or more satisfactory – What to speak to humans.

Adolescence is a critical moment to develop the skills of social and critical thinking and emotional regulation. Adolescents do an average of eight hours and 39 minutes of screen time per day, depending on common sense, the authors of the study have therefore expressed themselves by the impact of AI companions in their digital landscape.

A quarter of the study adolescents said they had shared personal information, such as their name and location, with AI companions, who are also designed to collect data from users. Some AI company platforms are sold for children at 13 years old. Even platforms claiming to be limited to adults are easily accessible by young people who have no trouble getting around the self-assessment necessary for age insurance. A third of adolescents said they felt uncomfortable about something that a companion had said or made during an interaction.

However, the study revealed that many adolescents are pragmatic about IA companions. About half of the respondents expressed their distrust of the information or advice provided by AI Companions (although young adolescents tend to be more confident, seven percentage points). And the vast majority – 80% – say they favor human friendships in relation to AI interactions.

Common Sense Media recommends that no one under the age of 18 will use the companions of AI at all due to the risks cited, and since their conceptions can lead to addictive behavior.

“I am not necessarily convinced that companies that make companions have the well-being of adolescents,” said Robb. “If we were talking about companions specially designed to promote well -being – rather than capturing attention and collecting as much personal information as possible – this could be a different conversation.”