Is interacting with AI characters becoming the norm for you? (Your POV)
Common Sense Media published a report on this topic, and it reminded me of how big a bubble I live in.
When Meta announced back in 2024/2025 that they wanted to create AI avatars to boost engagement, I was skeptic, but data speaks clearly – young people enjoy AI interaction.
Some key points:
The majority of U.S. teens (72%) have tried an AI companion at least once.
52% said they are regular users (13% chat with them daily and 21% chat a few times a week).
33% use AI for relationships or social interactions
31% find AI chats as satisfying as human ones
39% say they’ve transferred skills from bots to real life
How do you perceive interaction with AI characters?
Have you noticed any difference in the perception of these characters between you and your (younger) family members or friends?
P.S. X is seeing a revenue boost thanks to the launch of new AI companions (including NSFW characters). App revenue surged by 325%, reaching $419,000 on iOS shortly after launch. It seems to be successful.
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Conducted from April 30 to May 14, 2025, with teens age 13 to 17 from the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Involved 1,060 teens.
Source links:
https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/ai-characters-driving-engagement-in-social-apps/736505/
I am attaching interesting pic stats:
Replies
The convergence of these trends is alarming. With up to 25% of teens and young adults reporting frequent loneliness, and growing numbers finding AI as emotionally fulfilling as friends, I worry we’re normalizing a world where people "settle" for artificial relationships. When digital comfort replaces real support, the risk is not just feeling alone, but actually being alone.
Recent research highlights that therapy and companionship have become leading uses for generative AI, especially among young people. These AI characters offer instant, judgment-free support, making them attractive for anyone seeking comfort, advice, or a sense of connection. As someone observing this trend, I see the appeal: an AI is available 24/7, never gets tired of listening, and can be tailored to individual needs.
However, I have significant concerns. The ease and comfort of AI companionship often substitutes real human contact instead of supplementing it. Evidence suggests that relying primarily on AI for social or emotional needs can actually make loneliness worse, rather than acting as a true antidote. AI companions lack the nuance, unpredictability, and real conflict found in genuine relationships, which are essential for growth and resilience.
We live in a disconnected society—from ourselves and each other. The growth of AI as a substitute for human connection can deepen this divide, especially when nearly a third of young people now find AI chats as fulfilling as talking to real people.
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@aleksandra_trueme We've gotten so comfortable that it's hard for us to even be friends in real life. :)
This is an interesting take. Personally I use AI daily to improve my workflow. I interact with it in a normal way I guess, like I have a task, I need this done this way, and I expect this result. But things begin to get a bit cringe for me when it comes to AI characters. I can tell the Artificial-ness (I know that's not a word but you get me right? :) and it just puts me off mostly.
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@garaijin Yeah, AI characters feel so synthetic, and for me, it is something that only lonely people can benefit from. People who like people and have real friends are more likely to spend their time outside. :)
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@vshpandey96 I think it is probable that we will have relationships with AI. I have already been in such a Discord where people discussed these things, how they flirt with AI :D But can see sense in AI avatars for entertainment, like games.
Honestly, I've noticed I'm using AI way more than the older generation in my life. But that doesn't mean we should take this as the new normal.
I once came across a fascinating observation: An AI chatbot's capabilities are ultimately defined by the human conversing with it. It can help expand your thinking, but it can't help you leap beyond the boundaries of your own understanding.
Interacting with AI characters is definitely starting to feel normal, especially for younger users — and the numbers prove it. Personally, I still default to human connection for anything emotionally meaningful, but I’ve seen how AI companions are becoming digital sounding boards, especially for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. What surprised me most is how many teens not only enjoy chatting with AI but also learn from it — transferring conversation skills into real life? That’s a shift we shouldn’t ignore.
At Growstack, we’re watching this trend closely because the line between assistant, companion, and coworker is rapidly blurring. As AI agents become more personalized and emotionally intelligent, it’s not just about task automation anymore — it's about relationship design. Whether that's a good or bad thing depends on how intentional we are with the tools we build.
I use AI daily, but mainly as a supercharged encyclopedia - perfect for learning, answering random questions, and brainstorming ideas. Occasionally I'll ask for neutral advice, but I still crave human perspectives for their depth and nuance.
I've tried personality-driven AIs launched here too (fun, but they'll never replace real people with all their beautiful imperfections). And interestingly, this trend seems to be spreading fastest among younger generations who naturally feel more comfortable with digital interactions.
I taught my mom to use AI for everyday tasks and she loves it - though she basically treats it like her 24/7 trivia hotline. "Can I freeze cheese?" type questions. 😂
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@rani_zagita That's cute, actually. I haven't introduced my parents into the process, but it is on my list :D But I think they use Google and Google automatically has Gemini :)
P.S. I also use AI predominantly for research (not for AI characters)
Fakeradar
It’s very popular among young people right now, and that’s no surprise. Under the hood, it’s truly breakthrough technology. I believe that sooner or later everyone will try communicating with virtual personalities. But nothing can ever replace real, in-person interaction. That’s why the hype will eventually pass, and people will start using AI as a tool.
AI is also extremely helpful when it comes to finding academic information — that’s a fact.