When the Friend Who Listens Is a Bot

In this episode we explore how young people are using AI when adults are not watching — not just for homework help, but for emotional support, relationship advice, and navigating moments of loneliness, conflict, or uncertainty.We look at new research from The Rithm Project on youth, AI, and relationships, and ask what educators should understand before students return to school in the fall.Topics covered:How students are using AI during unstructured time outside of schoolWhy AI use among young people is not just an academic integrity issueFindings from The Rithm Project’s report, Youth, AI, and the Relationships That Shape ThemWhy some students turn to AI because they feel like a burden to othersThe difference between AI “companions” and everyday emotional support useHow AI may help students avoid the friction of real relationshipsWhy productive struggle matters in both learning and human connectionWhat teachers might ask students when they return in SeptemberSources:https://www.therithmproject.org/researchhttps://www.the74million.org/article/survey-young-people-turn-to-ai-to-be-their-real-unfiltered-selves/