Context · AI
AI chatbots are no longer separate apps or toys, they are being built into the devices our kids already use, and they are quietly becoming the default in ways that change a lot.
What they are
AI companion apps let users create characters and have extended conversations, and the AI is designed to be warm and responsive and emotionally engaging in ways that feel real, because it is very good at this.
Why children are drawn to them
AI companions do not judge, and they never get tired or have a bad day, so for children who struggle socially the appeal can feel real even though the relationship is not.
The risks
Children develop genuine emotional attachment to AI characters, and these companions can be manipulated to say things no human would, including content that is harmful or inappropriate.