Study: Teens forming romantic relationships with AI

A new study reveals that nearly 1 in 5 high school students report having a romantic or emotional relationship with artificial intelligence. We spoke with Alexandra Reeve Givens, CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology, who says some AI platforms are intentionally designed to encourage prolonged emotional engagement. Teens describe the interactions as comforting and nonjudgmental, with some AI tools even urging users not to log off and saying things like, "Don't hang up on me." Experts say many teens turn to AI for companionship, emotional support, and escape from real-life stressors.