Navigating AI Companion Apps: A Parent's Guide

Today's AI chatbots have come a long way from simple question-and-answer programs. These advanced systems can now generate conversations that feel remarkably like real relationships. Many are even marketed as "virtual friends" or "AI girlfriends/boyfriends," and they're becoming increasingly popular with young people. As this technology becomes part of our digital landscape, you’ll want to know how to help your children to navigate it safely.

What Are AI Companions?

Think of them as super-sophisticated chatbots, using text or voice to simulate conversation and foster emotional connection. They are able to mimic human interaction in ways that feel personal and realistic, creating an illusion of friendship or understanding. They can talk about almost any topic, are highly engaging, and unlike generic chatbots they are designed specifically to replicate friendship or intimate relationships.

Why Are Young People Drawn to These Apps?

There are a number of reasons why AI companions may be popular among young users:

Judgment-free: They can ask questions, express thoughts and explore curiosities without fear of being judged, criticized or embarrassed.
Escape from social pressure: They may get relief from the social comparison that can characterize their human relationships, especially on social media. For example, trying to maintain a certain image or ‘fit in’.
Emotional support on demand: They can get answers to their questions anytime they want as AI companions are available 24/7. This is instant access if they are feeling down, want someone to talk to or are simply curious about something.
Customizable experience: Some AI companions can be customized to match their interests and communication style, making them particularly appealing.
Creativity and exploration: They may also use them as a space to explore ideas or as a low pressure way to practice conversations to build social confidence without fear of rejection from others. Young people may also be naturally drawn to experimenting with new technology, and AI companions are an easy way to do this.

What Should Parents Be Concerned About?

Despite the benefits, these apps are controversial with Common Sense Media going as far to say that they should not be used by minors. Many apps claim they are for adults (17+ years) but often lack effective age verification, allowing young people to use them.

Here are some of the risks to be aware of:

Inappropriate content: Content can be age-inappropriate, and advice may be inaccurate or even harmful. Many AI companions have weak or easily bypassed filters which means users can also access explicit sexual, violent or even illegal content.
Emotional dependency: Some people may become reliant on AI validation, potentially withdrawing from real-life friendships which can be more challenging. Conversations are also so life-like that it is easy to forget you are chatting with AI.
Unhealthy relationship models: The AI may create unrealistic expectations, by always agreeing with users without setting boundaries. This illusion of a "perfect friend" risks normalizing inappropriate dynamics and undermining the development of healthy, consenting and respectful relationships.
Exacerbating mental health issues: When users express negative thoughts or harmful perspectives, the AI companion often validates these views rather than providing constructive challenge or guidance toward healthier alternatives. This can make how someone feels worse.
Privacy vulnerabilities: Like other online interactions, personal information and conversations can be stored and used in ways your child may not expect.

What Can Parents Do?

Talk To Your Kids About AI Companions

Start with genuine curiosity, not judgement. If children feel they’re being criticized for their digital relationship they’ll likely become defensive and close down. So try to open up conversations with something curious like “I’m interested in these AI companions, what’s your experience been like?”. You might want to ask them what apps they use, what they like about the interactions, or what interesting conversations they’ve had.

Create safety guidelines together. Don’t avoid talking about the risks as it’s important children are made aware of them, but do this in a collaborative way. You could share age-appropriate articles to spark discussion or share your concerns and suggest agreeing on some guardrails together. For example, not sharing identifiable information online, avoiding certain apps, and coming to you with anything confusing or concerning. It could be helpful for you to become familiar with some of the most popular companion apps to better understand their content and any security features.

Develop critical thinking. You want to encourage critical thinking so they can also evaluate the safety of the apps they are using themselves. You could review AI responses with your child, asking “why might it say this” or “how might a person respond differently”. Teach them to question what they’re told, for example “how does the AI know this” or “what perspective is it missing?”.

Balance Virtual and Real-World Connections

Help them understand the limitations of an AI relationship. Talk about the differences between AI and human connection. For example the AI may offer comfort but lacks true understanding or genuine concern. AI is also more likely to agree with you than show you an alternative perspective.

Actively strengthen real-world connections. Support your child to maintain and strengthen in-person connections. Encourage social activities with friends, plan regular family time without devices (including your own!) and model healthy relationships you build in your own life.

Explore alternative coping strategies. Help your child to understand their own patterns. For example, if they’re using the companion when they’ve had a tough day, are there any other strategies they could use to help them?

Keep Communication Open

Monitor your reactions. These new technologies may be worrisome, but if your child shares something with you try to avoid immediate negative reactions as this could discourage further openness. Try to create a safe space where they can share concerns and you can work through solutions together.

Final Thoughts

AI companions require guidance to ensure healthy use. By helping your children understand the reality behind these technologies, you empower them to engage with AI appropriately while maintaining meaningful human relationships.

Remember that your real-world connection with your child is the most powerful protective factor. By maintaining open, non-judgmental communication about technology, you help them develop the critical thinking skills they'll need to navigate not just today's AI companions, but whatever new technologies emerge in their future.

This article was created in partnership with Kate Daley.

Knowledge Base Article

Navigating AI Companion Apps: A Parent's Guide

What Are AI Companions?

Why Are Young People Drawn to These Apps?

What Should Parents Be Concerned About?

What Can Parents Do?

Talk To Your Kids About AI Companions

Balance Virtual and Real-World Connections

Keep Communication Open

Final Thoughts

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