U of M conducting research on growing trend of teens turning to AI chatbots

A growing number of young people are using AI companions and chatbots for emotional support, friendship and even virtual relationships, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota. Despite the growth, most teens aren’t advertising that they’re using it – for many, it is stigmatized. Researchers at the U of M are exploring teen use of AI companions. Xiaoran Sun, an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development and co-lead at the U of M Teen and A-I Study, joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about what her team is learning about teens and AI companions.