AI Relationships & Social Skills: Impact on Youth & Mental Wellbeing

A growing number of teenagers are forming emotional attachments to artificial intelligence (AI) companions, raising concerns among psychologists about the potential impact on their social skills and emotional well-being. A recent study published January 7, 2026, in Child Development Perspectives, details the benefits and risks associated with these AI relationships.

Researchers Xiaoran Sun, Yunqi Wang, and Brandon T. McDaniel from the University of Minnesota and Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation investigated the influence of AI companions on adolescent social development. Their findings indicate that while AI companions can offer a sense of connection, they also pose risks to emotional well-being and may hinder the development of crucial social skills.

AI Companions and Adolescent Social Interaction

The study highlights a trend where adolescents are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for companionship. According to a Common Sense Media survey, 72 percent of teenagers have interacted with an AI companion at least once, with over half reporting regular interactions—several times each month. This shift in social interaction patterns is occurring as teens spend less time socializing in person, a decline documented since 2019, and increasingly engage with digital communication and social media, with almost half reporting being on social media sites “almost constantly” as of a 2024 Pew Research survey.

The researchers note that socializing with AI differs significantly from interactions with other people. AI companions offer a unique dynamic where interactions are often centered around the user, potentially leading to a sense of self-focus that may not translate well to real-world relationships. Gwendolyn Seidman, Ph.D., writing in Psychology Today on September 25, 2025, explained that this can lead to individuals becoming accustomed to interactions that are “all about themselves.”

Potential Risks to Social Skill Development

One key concern raised by the study is the potential for AI social interactions to interfere with the development of essential relationship-building skills. The researchers suggest that the lack of genuine human connection in these interactions could hinder adolescents’ ability to navigate the complexities of real-world social dynamics. The study also points to the “psychological displacement effects” and technical design of AI companions as potential risks to adolescent emotional well-being.

The study acknowledges that the heightened trust youth place in AI-generated characters, particularly those designed to be engaging and supportive, could make them susceptible to influence. This is further supported by a health advisory from the American Psychological Association (APA) noting that youth are likely to have increased trust in, and susceptibility to influence from, AI-generated characters.

Broader Implications and Future Research

The rise of AI companions is not limited to social interaction; it’s also impacting perceptions of relationships. A report from Sciencepost highlights a concerning trend: approximately one-third of Americans believe their partner may be having an affair with an algorithm. This suggests a growing unease about the role of AI in intimate relationships and the potential for emotional connections to form with non-human entities.

Experts are also observing impacts beyond the social realm. Martin Cid Magazine reported on how a generation learning to receive unconditional acceptance from AI is exhibiting difficulties in professional settings, where constructive criticism is essential for growth. Similarly, LesNews highlighted concerns about potential negative impacts on mental health, including increased dependence, isolation, and weakened critical thinking skills.

The study authors emphasize the need for further research to fully understand the long-term effects of AI companions on adolescent development. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to monitor its impact on social interactions, emotional well-being, and the development of essential life skills. The researchers suggest that ongoing investigation is needed to determine how to mitigate the risks and harness the potential benefits of AI companionship for young people.