1、2025Talk,Trust,and Trade-Offs:How and Why Teens Use AI CompanionsCOMMON SENSE MEDIA IS GRATEFUL FOR THE GENEROUS SUPPORT AND UNDERWRITING THAT FUNDED THIS RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT Jennifer Caldwell and John H.N.Fisher Patrick J.McGovern Foundation Siegel Family Endowment2025Talk,Trust,and Trade-Offs:How a
2、nd Why Teens Use AI CompanionsSuggested citation:Robb,M.B.,&Mann,S.(2025).Talk,trust,and trade-offs:How and why teens use AI companions.San Francisco,CA:Common Sense Media.CreditsMichael B.Robb and Supreet MannReport writing:Mina Cheong and Chris ArthDesigners:Christopher DareCopy editor:NORC at the
3、 University of ChicagoData collection:Christian Medina Beltz,Kirsten Olsen Cahill,Lisa Cohen,Edda Collins Coleman,Brittany Garcia,Erika Radhansson,Brian Ray,Owen StidmanCommunications and Marketing:TALK,TRUST,AND TRADE-OFFS:HOW AND WHY TEENS USE AI COMPANIONS 1 COMMON SENSE MEDIA.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
4、.The rapid rise of AI companionson platforms like CHAI,Character.AI,Nomi,Replika,and similar conversational AI systemshas 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-report-ing for age assurance,w
5、hich 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 huma
6、nlike interaction,and they can offer everything from casual chat to emo-tional support and role-playing scenarios.As these technologies become increasingly sophisticated and accessible,it is crucial that parents,teachers,and poli-cymakers understand how and why teens interact with AI companions.Teen