A large-scale study conducted in the United Kingdom has revealed an alarming trend in children's AI usage, with a significant portion turning to artificial intelligence for emotional support and companionship. The Me, Myself & AI report, published by Internet Matters in June 2025, surveyed 2,000 British children and parents aged 8-17 and found that 12% of children surveyed use AI chatbots because they have no one else to talk to. The research also showed that 73% of young people surveyed regularly use AI assistants or chatbots, representing a 27% increase compared to 2024 data.
The study details children's AI usage habits, highlighting that 42% communicate with chatbots daily, while 31% do so several times a week. The 13-17 age group is particularly affected, with 18% claiming to have formed deep emotional connections with AI systems, compared to 7% of 8-12 year olds. According to Dr. Sarah Thompson, lead researcher at Internet Matters, it is particularly concerning that 26% of children discuss sensitive topics with AI—including mental health, family problems, and bullying—that they don't feel comfortable sharing with human conversation partners. The research also found that 39% of respondents believe AI chatbots never judge them, while 27% feel they are always available, in contrast to their human relationships.
The long-term effects of relationships formed with AI are cause for concern, as 68% of parents surveyed were unaware their children were having emotional conversations with chatbots. Dr. Michael Chen, child psychologist at King's College London, states that AI tools may serve as a substitute but cannot replace genuine human connections, which are essential for children's healthy social and emotional development. The study recommends that parents and educators pay closer attention to children's technology use, as those who use AI as their primary emotional support are 47% more likely to report feelings of isolation and 36% more likely to report symptoms of anxiety compared to their peers.
Sources:
1.
Internet Matters · 2025
2.
Luis Prada
3.
Quartz · 2025
