72% of US Teens Have Used AI Companions: What the 33% Figure Means

The headline of this post said that 33% of teens replace human relationships with digital friends. The survey behind it does not say that. This page sets out what Common Sense Media’s July 2025 teen survey found on trust, satisfaction and privacy, and corrects the numbers that were stretched. For the survey’s main findings, see our page on the 72% result.

What the 33% Figure Is

Two different 33% figures appear in the survey, and they are easy to confuse.

• 33% of all teens said they use AI companions for social interaction and relationships. That includes conversation practice, role-play, emotional support, friendship and romance. It does not mean replacing friends.
• 33% of teens who use AI companions said they had chosen to discuss something important or serious with an AI companion instead of a real person. Most of those did so once or twice (17%) or occasionally (12%). 4% did so often.

Neither number says teens swapped their friends for AI. In fact, 80% of users said they spend more time with real friends than with AI companions (Common Sense Media report).

Trust and Satisfaction

Half of teens (50%) said they distrust what AI companions tell them. Younger teens (13 to 14) were more likely than older teens (15 to 17) to trust the advice, 27% against 20%.

On satisfaction, 31% found AI conversations as satisfying as, or more satisfying than, talking to real friends. Of that group, 21% said “about the same” and 10% said “more satisfying.” Two-thirds (67%) said AI conversations were less satisfying. The survey was of 1,060 teens aged 13 to 17, fielded by NORC at the University of Chicago in spring 2025.

Privacy

Among teens who use AI companions, 24% had shared personal or private information, such as a real name, location or secrets. 34% had felt uncomfortable with something an AI companion said. Common Sense Media points out that companies’ terms of service can give them wide, long-lasting rights over what users write. It quotes Character.AI’s terms as of June 2025, which grant a license that is “perpetual” and “irrevocable” (Common Sense Media report). Terms change, so check the current ones.

A simple rule for teens: do not share your full name, address, school, passwords or anything you would not want kept.

What Is Opinion Here

Common Sense Media’s own risk testing led it to recommend that nobody under 18 use AI companions. That is the organization’s position. The survey measures what teens say they do. It does not show that AI companions cause loneliness, dependence or harm.

Child psychiatrists advise parents to talk openly about AI, explain that AI companions are tools, not friends or therapists, and see a doctor if use cannot be moderated (AACAP). The American Psychological Association has also called for clear limits on simulated human relationships for young people (APA).

A teen who is struggling can contact the 988 Lifeline (call or text 988, US) or send HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line) at any hour. Call 911 if someone is in danger right now.

Do a third of teens prefer AI to real friends?

No. About 10% of teens said AI conversations are more satisfying than conversations with friends, and 67% said they are less satisfying.

Is it safe for teens to tell an AI companion personal things?

It carries risk. Companies may keep and use what users write, under terms most people do not read. Teens should avoid sharing identifying details or secrets.

Education only, not medical advice.