Some teens are making friends with artificial intelligence chatbots. Young people are turning to Character.AI chatbots, with “voices” from therapists to video game characters, to freely express their emotions or discuss issues with someone outside of their social circle. And while the site went viral recently for a psychologist AI, among the younger audience, chatbots have transitioned into substitute friends. Some even use the platform to create group chats with multiple chatbots, emulating the social dynamics of a typical group chat with friends IRL. (The Verge)
📊 YPulse data: 11% of 13-39-year-olds have had an AI-generated friend or romantic partner, and 23% are interested
