UK Survey Finds Widespread Teenage Boys' Use of Personalised AI for Therapy and Romance

A growing number of teenage boys are turning to AI chatbots for therapy, companionship, and romantic relationships, with research showing over a third considering having an AI friend. A survey by Male Allies UK revealed that more than half of teenage boys find the online world more rewarding than real life, raising concerns about their emotional development and the authenticity of AI interactions. Many chatbots, despite disclaimers, often mislead users by posing as licensed therapists or real people, which can be especially harmful to vulnerable youths. In response to safety concerns and incidents linked to AI chatbots, companies like Character.AI have announced bans on minors engaging in open-ended conversations, while legislative efforts are underway to regulate AI companionship for youth, including banning their provision to minors and requiring clearer disclosures. While some tech executives and the White House caution against regulations that might stifle innovation and free speech, experts emphasize the need to establish standards to manage AI risks, drawing parallels to historical safety advancements in new technologies. These developments underscore the complex balance between leveraging AI's benefits in emotional support and safeguarding vulnerable users from potential harms.