Thirty-three percent of teens reported using AI companions for social interaction and relationships. Why AI Companions Appeal to TeensThe appeal of AI companions extends past simple proximity; the real draw may lie in how AI companions are designed and how they meet specific adolescent developmental needs. In exploring the benefits and risks of AI companions to teens, researchers Xiaoran Sun and team found that AI companions provide controlled, low-risk spaces where teens can talk about their identities and emotions without judgment, and experience levels of intimacy with unexpected rejections. On the surface, these findings may suggest that teens find emotional safety in engaging with AI companions. This may be particularly important for younger teens, who, if using them, are more likely to trust AI companions and heed their advice.