AI is the new best friend for many teenagers, and he never says “no”

Forget social media. Consequently, chatbot “friends” are the new emotional outlet for Gen Z

Publisher’s socket: Companions of artificial intelligence, formerly a novelty confined to science fiction, quickly became part of daily life for American adolescents. Consequently, According to the newly published conclusions of Common Sense Media. In addition, most teenagers have interacted with AI chatbots and often turn to them to get advice, the company or even emotional support. For example, The widespread use of these digital confidants reshapes the lives of adolescents. Nevertheless, social development, which arouses an increasing concern among parents, educators and researchers on risks and potential awards from a generation to adulthood alongside artificial friends. Therefore,

“It is revealing,” said Michael Robb, principal of the study and chief researcher at Common Sense. Consequently, He told the Associated Press that even the researchers were surprised ai new best friend many by the large number of adolescents counting on. Meanwhile, AI for human interaction. Furthermore, Research has revealed that more than 70% of American teenagers said they used these tools. Similarly, and more than half said they are joining them regularly.

Digital platforms like the character. For example, AI, the foldera and traditional chatbots such as Chatgpt enter roles once fulfilled by human relationships. Meanwhile, For many young people, the call is clear.

“AI is always available. Nevertheless, He never gets bored with you. Similarly, It’s never critical, “said Ganesh Nair, 18, from Arkansas. For example, “When you talk to AI, you are still right. However, You are always interesting. Consequently, You are always emotionally justified. »»

But Nair has also seen the drawbacks closely. After a friend used an AI chatbot to write a breakdown message to his girlfriend. Nair began to question the wisdom to rely on machines for ai new best friend many relational advice. “It seemed a bit dystopian, that a computer generated the end of a real relationship,” he said. “It is almost as if we allow computers to replace our relationships with people. Additionally, »»

Robb has warned that adolescence is a critical moment when social. emotional skills are still developing, and digital companions cannot completely replace human relationships. “If adolescents develop social skills on AI platforms where they are constantly validated. not challenging, and do not learn to read the social clues or to understand the point of view of someone else, they will not be sufficiently prepared for the real world,” he said.

The common sense study has not only measured use; He also examined the risks of AI companions for young users. The group found that age restrictions on many platforms were ineffective. nonexistent, exposing minors to ai new best friend many sexual content, dangerous advice and “validation” which can strengthen unhealthy thought. The organization now recommends that people under the age of 18 completely avoid these platforms until more robust guarantees. are in place.

The national concern about adolescents forming close emotional ties with chatbots intensified last year after a boy from Florida died by suicide after supported. intimate exchanges with an AI. Stories like this highlighted the vulnerabilities of young users and fueled calls for caution.

Eva Telzer. professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, noticed the speed with which the change occurred.

“Parents really have no idea that it happens,” said Telzer. “We are all struck by the speed with which it exploded. »»

According to his research. children as young as eight already explore a generative AI, often for the company or to navigate complex questions about ai new best friend many identity. She found that applications like Spicychat AI – designed for adults – are now popular among teenagers for role playing.

“One of the concerns that arises is that they no longer trust themselves to make a decision,” said Telzer. “They need AI comments before feeling as if they can check the box that an idea is ok or not. »»

Many teenagers also use chatbots to help develop sensitive emails or social messages. Bruce Perry. seventeen, also from Arkansas, says he is now lacking on AI for organizing tests, obtaining social advice and even deciding.

“If you tell me to plan a test. I would think of going to Chatgpt before taking out a pencil,” said Perry. He expressed his concern for young children who grow up with these tools: “I fear that children will not. get lost in there. I could see a child who ai new best friend many will grow with AI not seeing a reason to go to the park. try to make a friend. »»

While some adolescents are nervous about the influence of AI. others say that its impact is fundamentally different from social media, which has favored new connections and visibility. “Social media have completed the needs that people need to be seen. to be known to meet new people,” said Nair. “I think AI completes another need that is much deeper – our need for attachment. our need to feel emotions. He fed on it. “He called artificial intelligence” New dependence “.

The common sense study revealed that most adolescents always prefer real relationships to AI. But growing dependence on digital friends for advice. emotional connection has become a decisive part of modern adolescence – a change that experts and families are starting to understand.