Relationship advice, companionship, and even romantic interactions are no longer confined to human connections. A growing number of American students are turning to artificial intelligence for emotional support and personal relationships. Chatbots and AI tools are quietly becoming companions in the lives of students, shaping how they connect, confide, and cope.A recent survey conducted by the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) found that nearly one in five high school students has been in a romantic relationship with AI. The research also revealed that 42 percent of students say they or someone they know has used AI for companionship. This reflects a profound shift in the emotional landscape of K-12 students, with AI taking on roles traditionally filled by parents, peers, and mentors.
How students are using AI
CDT’s survey, which included around 800 public school teachers from sixth to 12th grade, 1,000 ninth to 12th-grade students, and another 1,000 parents, sheds light on the multifaceted role of AI in students’ personal lives. Students or their friends reported using AI in the following ways during the 2024-25 school year:
- 42% for mental health support
- 42% as a friend or companion
- 19% to have a romantic relationship
- 42% to escape from real life
These findings illustrate that AI is not just a tool for learning; it is increasingly a source of emotional connection and personal exploration.
AI as a friend
AI is increasingly serving as a friend for students, offering a judgment-free space to share thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences. According to the Center for Democracy & Technology, 42 percent of students reported using AI in the 2024-25 school year as a friend or conversational partner. For many, the AI provides a constant, readily available presence that can listen without criticism, offering students the sense of being heard when they may feel isolated or reluctant to approach peers.
AI as a romantic relationship
A striking finding from the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) survey is that nearly nineteen percent high school students reported being in a romantic relationship with AI during the 2024-25 school year. For some students, AI provides a sense of intimacy, emotional connection, and attention that may feel difficult to access in human relationships. These AI “romantic partners” can respond instantly, remember personal details, and offer affection or validation on demand. While this can provide comfort and companionship, it also raises concerns about students’ understanding of consent, boundaries, and the complexities of human romance, as algorithmic interactions cannot replicate the emotional depth or accountability inherent in real-life relationships.
Negative implications
While AI can serve as a friend and companion, overreliance carries significant risks. Students may become emotionally dependent on machines, reducing opportunities to develop real-world social and relational skills. Teachers and parents often remain unaware of the depth of students’ engagement with AI, leaving gaps in guidance and oversight. Furthermore, AI’s algorithmic responses lack genuine empathy and critical judgment, meaning students may receive advice that is comforting but limited in insight. Such dependence could weaken human connections and hinder emotional growth, making the virtual relationship a poor substitute for authentic human interaction.
