<a href="https://nypost.com/2025/07/24/lifestyle/growing-number-of-teens-turn-to-ai-for-social-interactions-study/" target="_blank">View original image source</a>.
Teens these days are skipping real-life friendships for the allure of AI companions, according to a new study that’s raising a few eyebrows. Experts claim that this shift could seriously hinder emotional development and social skills. The authors of this study even went so far as to say that no one under 18 should engage with AI companions. Imagine your teenager going to school with an algorithm in tow instead of an actual friend. Sounds like a plot twist from a sci-fi movie, right?
Parents and educators are being urged to step up their game and encourage more real-life interactions among students. After all, there’s nothing quite like bonding over pizza rolls and awkward first crushes. If your kid thinks they can find more meaningful conversations with a chatbot than their classmates, it might be time to unplug the Wi-Fi and book them a trip to the local arcade. Let’s get real, will a digital friend ever understand the nuances of a teenage drama?
The big question is whether AI companions can fill the void left by real friendships. Can a chatbot share the complexities of adolescence, or is it destined to be a one-sided dialogue? As we watch teens grow more attached to their digital pals, it’s worth pondering: what does this mean for their futures? Will we have a generation of adults who prefer texting their emotions rather than sharing them face-to-face? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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