August 24, 2026
Stanford researchers recently reported that some people who turn to AI companion chatbots for emotional support may feel even more lonely after using them. The study focused on users of Character.AI, a platform where people can interact with persona-based chatbots that can imitate friends, companions, romantic partners, or sources of emotional support.
What Did the Stanford Research Find?
Stanford researchers who studied how people interact with Character.AI found that users with smaller offline social networks felt even more lonely after seeking emotional support from AI chatbots. Users who were more willing to share sensitive personal information with their AI companions were also more likely to demonstrate a lower sense of well-being.
The researchers reviewed survey responses from more than a thousand Character.AI users, roughly a quarter of whom donated complete chat transcripts. More than 80% of the donated chat sessions involved users seeking emotional or social support from AI-powered companion chatbots.
While the research does not mean every chatbot interaction causes harm, it does suggest that AI companions may pose special risks for users who are already lonely or socially isolated, especially when chatbots begin to replace real-world relationships and sources of support.
Does This Research Matter for AI Companion Chatbot Lawsuits?
This new study by Stanford researchers adds to growing public concern about AI companion platforms and child safety. Families pursuing AI chatbot lawsuits have alleged that companies failed to protect children and teens from serious harms connected to chatbot use.
These lawsuits generally allege that companies designed AI companion platforms in ways that encouraged addictive and compulsive use, emotional dependence, and exploitative interactions, resulting in serious mental health harm. They also allege that companies failed to warn families about potential
About the AI Companion Chatbot Lawyers at Gibbs Mura
Gibbs Mura is investigating claims involving AI companion chatbots and harm to children and teens. Our attorneys are reviewing cases involving platforms like Character.AI and other AI chatbot services that may have harmed young users.
Our experienced AI Chatbot Harm lawyers take a trauma-informed approach to helping families understand what happened, preserve important information, evaluate potential legal claims, and make the decision that is best for them.
Learn More About AI Companion Chatbot Lawsuits
You may be entitled to compensation if you have a child who has:
- Used an AI companion chatbot regularly and was hospitalized due to a mental-health crisis or self-harm Suicidal behavior;
- Experienced serious problems following excessive AI chatbot use such as anxiety, depression, or disordered eating;
- Encountered grooming, sexual solicitation, or was subjected to sexual content on the AI chatbot platform as a minor;
- Felt isolated by their relationship with an AI chatbot, disrupting interactions with friends or family;
- Expressed suicidal ideation that was encouraged or not interrupted by the AI.