Talk, Trust, and Trade-Offs: How and Why Teens Use AI Companions

The rapid rise of AI companions has created new digital social environments. While some of these platforms claim to be designed for users age 18 and older, they rely on ineffective self-reporting for age assurance, which allows easy access for younger users. Other platforms, such as Character.AI, are explicitly marketed to children as young as 13. These platforms, which may be presented as virtual friends, confidants, and even therapists, allow users to engage in conversations with AI entities designed to simulate humanlike interaction, and they can offer everything from casual chat to emotional support and role-playing scenarios. As these technologies become increasingly sophisticated and accessible, it is crucial that parents, teachers, and policymakers understand how and why teens interact with AI companions. This report examines how U.S. teens age 13 to 17 currently use AI companions, drawing from a nationally representative survey of 1,060 teens conducted in April and May 2025.