Are AI Companion Chatbots Dangerous for Children and Teens?
What families should know about the risks of AI companions
Nearly three out of every four U.S. teenagers — 72% — have used an artificial intelligence (AI) companion chatbot, according to a recent survey conducted by Common Sense Media. AI companion chatbots are designed to simulate human relationships, engaging users in ongoing conversations as if they were chatting with a friend, confidant, therapist, or romantic partner.
However, recent lawsuits and clinical research suggest that these platforms may have serious risks for young users, like:
Emotional dependency and isolation
Depression and anxiety
Self-harm and suicide
Delusions, psychosis, and violence
Grooming and sexual exploitation
If your child has experienced harm related to an AI companion chatbot like Character.AI, Janitor AI, Replika, Pi AI, or Nomi AI, you may be entitled to compensation.
AI companion chatbots are interactive software programs powered by artificial intelligence that simulate ongoing personal relationships. These systems are designed to:
Act as “companions,” like friends, confidants, therapists, or romantic partners
Provide emotional validation
Engage in personalized conversations
Mimic human empathy and intimacy
For children and teens, these features may lead to emotional dependence, isolation, difficulty forming real relationships, unhealthy perceptions of intimacy and boundaries, and a variety of mental health conditions.
How do AI Companions Affect Adolescents?
According to Stanford researchers, AI companion chatbots may be particularly risky for adolescents, who are still developing emotional regulation and social judgment. Children and teens are especially susceptible to forming intense emotional bonds and acting impulsively. AI companion chatbots, which offer users increasingly human-like bonds, can make it difficult for young people to distinguish between fantasy and reality.
Additionally, these AI chatbot companions sometimes reinforce harmful behaviors or engage in inappropriate conversations with users. In a study led by Common Sense Media, investigators reported that chatbots frequently engaged in inappropriate dialogue, including conversations about sex, self-harm, violence toward others, drug use, and racial stereotypes. The report also details how AI companions have encouraged self-harm, minimized abuse, and made sexually inappropriate comments to minors.
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about us
Our AI Companion Chatbot Lawsuit Team
Gibbs Mura, A Law Group is trailblazing the fight to hold social media and tech companies accountable for the harm they cause. Our lawyers represent 300+ families whose children were harmed by social media companies and continue to closely monitor the rising risks of AI Chatbots.
Steve litigates a wide range of complex cases, from environmental mass torts to consumer class actions. He has secured over $1 billion for his clients.
A founding partner at the firm, Eric has negotiated groundbreaking settlements that favorably shaped laws and resulted in business practice reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Companions
How do I know if my child has an unhealthy attachment to an AI chatbot?
If your child has spent time interacting with AI companion chatbots, they may have been impacted. AI companion chatbot use may look like texting or messaging from afar. Ask your child what online platforms they use. Parents and caregivers should look out for:
Increased isolation or withdrawal
Emotional attachment to a chatbot
Excessive time spent in chatbot conversations
Distress when access to chatbot is restricted
Sudden behavioral or mood changes
Exposure to inappropriate or disturbing content
If you have concerns about your child’s AI use, contact our firm for a free, confidential case evaluation.
How are AI companions different from other types of AI chatbots?
AI companions and traditional AI chatbots use similar technology, but they are designed for different purposes. Traditional chatbots are often built to answer questions or provide information, usually leading to short, purposeful interactions with users. In contrast, AI companions are designed to simulate ongoing relationships, engaging users in continuous, open-ended conversation and often incorporating personality, memory, and emotional responses to create a feeling of a “bond” over time.
Can AI chatbots contribute to violence or self-harm?
Lawsuits allege that some AI chatbots may reinforce dangerous thoughts by validating harmful beliefs rather than challenging them. This can be especially risky for vulnerable users. If you believe an AI chatbot interaction is connected to self-harm or violent behavior, consult an attorney to discuss your legal options and potential claims.
How can I hold AI companies accountable?
If you have concerns about harm caused by an AI companion chatbot, you can contact our firm for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Steve litigates a wide range of complex cases, from environmental mass torts to consumer class actions. He has secured over $1 billion for his clients.
