The NewsWorthy Special Edition: Kids & AI Companions – Friend or Faux?
Aug 16, 2025
Brinley Murphy-Reuter from the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital joins the conversation to discuss the rise of AI companions among kids. They delve into how these tools affect social skills and emotional connections, highlighting the risks of over-reliance. The importance of educating children about responsible AI use is emphasized, alongside the shared responsibilities of parents, schools, and tech companies in ensuring safety. It’s a thought-provoking look at balancing technology with traditional parenting.
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What AI Companions Are
- AI companions are avatar-like chat systems built to provide emotional support and simulate relationships.
- They remember past conversations, show empathy, and proactively engage users to mimic human connection.
Restrict Companion Use For Minors
- Avoid letting children under 18 use companion-specific chatbots as they exist today.
- We don't yet know long-term impacts, so researchers advise restricting youth access for now.
Why Teens Use Companions
- Teens use AI companions for frictionless, nonjudgmental interaction and entertainment, often at any hour.
- These tools appeal because they can respond without pushback and offer anonymous, immediate conversation.