Experts: AI companions are becoming friends for children, who also treat AI toys as friends
Experts say AI companions are becoming friends for children and teenagers. A study found that children also treat AI toys as friends, but the relationship can take a strange turn.
Who is affected and how
- parent
- It is worth keeping an eye on your child's relationship with their AI toy or companion app, and talking about it.
- edtech company
- Product design for children has to address the risk of friendship-like attachment.
Sources
- Experts warn AI companions are becoming friends for kids and teens, raising concernskbak · Sep 14, 2026
- Study shows kids treat AI toys like friends — then things get weirdconsumeraffairs · Sep 14, 2026
- Consumer News: Study shows kids treat AI toys like friends — then things get weird | Consumer Daily Reports | RobinsPostrobinspost.com · Sep 14, 2026
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