As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, some young people are turning to it for more than just homework help: they’re seeking companionship.
Adolescent counselor and author Lloyd Bluin says it's a growing phenomenon, one with potential consequences that shouldn't be ignored.
“Young people have grown up with devices in their hands,” Bluin said. “When you add in the emotional fallout from things like COVID isolation and the loneliness that naturally comes with adolescence, it creates the perfect environment for this kind of connection to take root.”
Bluin explains that teens are often drawn to AI for answers to questions they may feel too uncomfortable asking a parent, teacher, or friend.
But what starts as casual curiosity can quickly feel like a relationship, especially when the AI responds with agreement and affirmation.
“The danger is that AI isn’t equipped to challenge harmful or irrational thinking,” Bluin said. “It often validates whatever is being said."
The New York Post reported instances where AI companionship was too agreeable.
"[An] AI bot drove an autistic man into manic episodes, told a husband it was OK to cheat on his wife and praised a woman who said she stopped taking meds to treat her mental illness"
Bluin offers clear advice for parents looking to protect their children in an increasingly digital world:
1) Model healthy tech behavior. Limit your own screen time to show that life happens outside of our devices.
2) Encourage real-world play and relationships. Promote in-person social activities that build empathy and communication.
3) Start monitoring early. Be transparent when a young person receives a device, and make it clear that online activity will be monitored. Not to invade privacy, but to build trust and safety.
“Start strict, and loosen the reins as their behavior earns it,” Bluin advises. “It’s far harder to put limits in place after too much freedom has been given and doing so without disclosure only breeds distrust.”
Bluin says while AI may seem like a harmless friend, it’s no substitute for human connection, real conversations, and emotional accountability.
