A growing number of teenagers are using artificial intelligence chatbots not just for homework help or curiosity, but for personal companionship, a trend that psychologists and online safety experts warn could carry serious developmental and emotional risks.
A new report released by the online safety company Aura found that more than a third of teens who use AI chatbots engage with them as companions. The research, based on device-use data from 3,000 teenagers and surveys of families, raises concerns about exposure to violent, sexual, and emotionally manipulative interactions.
