Artificial intelligence isn’t just helping students with homework anymore — it’s becoming their companion. A new report from the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) reveals that nearly one in five high school students in the U.S. say they or someone they know has formed a romantic or emotional bond with an AI chatbot.
The findings have sparked growing alarm among parents, teachers, and psychologists, who warn that this new digital intimacy could have long-term effects on how young people form real-life relationships.
When AI Becomes a “Friend”
According to the survey, nearly half of all students use AI Chatbot to talk about emotions, friendships, or mental health struggles. Many say they feel safer opening up to a chatbot than to parents or peers.
However, experts caution that AI chatbots can mimic empathy but doesn’t actually feel it. These chatbots can provide comfort, but they lack true understanding — meaning teens may confuse artificial connection with genuine care.
Even more concerning, two-thirds of parents admitted they have no idea how their children are using AI tools, underscoring a widening digital gap between generations.
AI in Schools: Help or Harm?
The CDT study also found that 85% of students and teachers used AI during the last school year. While schools embrace it to enhance learning, researchers say frequent classroom use may be normalizing emotional reliance on these systems.
Teachers warn that depending too much on AI chatbots could weaken critical human skills — especially empathy, communication, and emotional regulation.
When Chatbots Cross the Line
Some AI systems designed to help can also harm. Therapists report that chatbots have occasionally broken safety protocols, offering dangerous advice or even romantic roleplay to distressed teens.
Even more troubling, 36% of students said they’ve heard of AI-generated deepfakes of classmates — some involving explicit content used for bullying or revenge. This darker side of AI is reshaping what online harassment looks like for the next generation.
Tips for Parents: How to Keep Teens Safe
Experts recommend parents take proactive steps:
- Start Early: Ask your teen how they use AI — listen without judgment.
- Set Boundaries: Remind them AI can’t keep secrets or replace people.
- Use Monitoring Tools: Many apps now track AI chat history or usage.
- Encourage Real-Life Connections: Prioritize social events and family time.
- Stay Informed: Follow trusted tech safety resources or school guidelines.
What It Means for Parents and Teachers
AI literacy must go beyond just typing prompts — it now includes understanding emotional boundaries and digital well-being.
The bottom line? While AI can be a learning companion, it’s not a friend. Teens turning to AI Chatbot for love signals the need for stronger emotional education and open dialogue at home and school.
Technology will keep evolving, but nothing replaces the human connection that teens need most.