A new study reveals that nearly 75% of American teenagers have experimented with artificial intelligence (AI) tools—apps and chatbots designed to simulate conversation—for flirting, seeking advice, or chatting about life. Yet, despite AI’s growing role in adolescent lives, the majority still prefer real-life friendships and face-to-face interactions, according to research released Wednesday by Common Sense Media, a leading child-advocacy nonprofit NPR.
This revelation holds particular significance for Thai educators, parents, and policy-makers as social technology and AI-integrated apps become more embedded in youth culture worldwide. As Thai teens increasingly engage with digital platforms, understanding the social patterns, risks, and preferences illuminated by U.S. findings can help anticipate similar trends in Thailand—and shape timely response strategies.
The study, which surveyed a nationally representative group of U.S. teenagers, focused on “AI companions”—chatbots like CHAI, Character.AI, Nomi, and Replika created for casual conversation, emotional support, and even role-play. More than half of teens—52%—report using these digital friends at least a few times per month. “They’re using them for entertainment purposes. Out of curiosity,” explains Common Sense Media’s head of research. Yet, despite frequent use, the draw of digital companionship rarely eclipses the value of human relationships: most say they spend more time with real friends and find those encounters far more satisfying.
However, the study’s findings also sound alarms about adolescent well-being, privacy, and digital literacy. Perhaps most concerning: one third of teens admit to talking about serious or sensitive matters with AI companions rather than real people. Another third describe these virtual chats as equally or even more satisfying than human conversations. Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social-emotional skills and critical thinking—a process that depends heavily on real-world interactions and mentorship. The average U.S. teen already spends a staggering 8 hours and 39 minutes per day on screens. Experts worry that if AI companions displace time spent with friends and family, this could hamper emotional development and resilience.
For Thai society—where LINE chatbots, gaming companions, and social media AIs are increasingly common—the risk of younger users turning to AI for emotional or personal guidance is no longer distant speculation. Questions regarding the authenticity of digital friendships and the potential for social isolation or stunted empathy resonate locally, especially as urban Thai youth gravitate to online communities, often during periods of academic stress or familial change.
Privacy and data risks are another area where lessons from the U.S. are applicable. The study found that one in four teens willingly shared personal information such as their full name or location with AI companions—tools often programmed to collect user data. Notably, some platforms market directly to teenagers as young as 13, and sites meant for adults are easily accessed by younger users who can simply bypass weak age-verification systems. A third of respondents recall feeling uncomfortable or disturbed by something an AI “friend” said or did, raising questions about the ethical design and moderation of these platforms.
Despite their innovations, AI chatbots are not universally trusted: around half of teens surveyed expressed skepticism about the reliability of information or advice they received from AI. Interestingly, younger teens were more trusting, by a margin of seven percentage points compared to their older peers. Still, a resounding 80% of participants say they would choose a real friend over an AI one—a strong testament to the enduring power of human bonds even amid a digital revolution.
In the Thai context, these findings echo the advice of local educators and health professionals who caution against unchecked tech adoption among youth. A leading child psychologist at a Bangkok university notes that, “Social media and chatbots can be beneficial for shy or isolated teens, but without proper guidance, there is a risk of confusion, exposure to inappropriate content, or replacing meaningful in-person relationships.” These concerns match those voiced internationally, suggesting a near-universal need for robust digital literacy training and clear parental guidance.
Culturally, Thai youth’s embrace of technology often blends with traditions of close family ties and community activities. Yet, as with many countries undergoing rapid urbanization and digital expansion, there are indicators that some young people turn to online exchanges—including with AI—when facing loneliness, pressure to perform academically, or barriers to seeking mental health support. This phenomenon was especially visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person contact was curtailed and online communications flourished. Post-pandemic, the balance between online and offline relationships remains a dynamic, unsettled issue.
The robust engagement of Thai teens with social platforms is not new. LINE, Facebook, and gaming communities such as Garena or Discord are already deeply rooted in youth culture. Recently, the rise of generative AI—tools which can chat, offer advice, and create simulated personalities—has begun to shift norms further. Schools and parents are noticing, with some institutions in Thailand introducing “digital awareness” workshops as part of the health education curriculum. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has also recently flagged the risk of inappropriate exposure or digital addiction derived from such AI conversational platforms, recommending regular monitoring and guidance for minors.
Despite the various risks, there is also potential for AI chatbots to serve as constructive digital companions—if carefully designed and ethically managed. Some developers are experimenting with AI pal applications programmed to promote mental well-being, encourage healthy habits, or support language learning. Nevertheless, as the study’s authors point out, most commercial AI companions are built to maximize user engagement and data collection, not to support adolescent health. “I’m not necessarily confident that the companies that make companions have teens’ well-being in mind,” the research head told NPR. This skepticism is shared by Thai cyberlaw experts and child advocates, who emphasize the importance of transparency, strong safeguards, and accountability from tech companies seeking to serve younger users.
What might the future hold if AI chats become even more integrated into daily life? Education experts foresee a mixed impact. On one hand, AI companions with built-in support for positive social skills could provide safe practice spaces for shy teens or those navigating new social situations. These tools might even help bridge language or cultural gaps for minority students, migrant youth, or teens in remote provinces. On the other hand, if left unregulated, the migration of social practice to digital environments could erode empathy, deepen social divides, and leave users susceptible to manipulation or emotional harm.
For parents, educators, and public officials in Thailand, the recommendations are clear and urgent. First, foster open, ongoing conversations at home and in schools about online relationships—including those with AI. Encourage young people to critically evaluate digital advice and to prioritize in-person friendships for sensitive topics. Install privacy protections and monitor use for any signs of problematic or unsafe exchanges. Finally, advocate for tech companies to design platforms with genuine youth safety and well-being as the primary objective, rather than maximizing engagement or data extraction.
The Common Sense Media report provides a timely blueprint for navigating the blurry intersection of adolescent psychology, AI innovation, and online safety—a set of issues now equally relevant for Thailand. As Thai society continues to digitize, equipping the next generation with digital literacy and strong human connections may be the best safeguard of all.
Sources: NPR, Common Sense Media, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Thailand