The virtual companions of AI seduce teenagers, but worry parents and experts

A new form of digital friendship

In France, as elsewhere, teenagers discover more and more virtual artificial intelligence companions through applications as a character

If the French polls believe that about one in five has already interacted with this type of tool, the American figures show an even stronger penetration, with almost a third of 11-17 years that have already resorted to a chatbot.

In both cases, the observation is similar: These Irs offer a constant presence, customizable and always availablewhich attracts young people in particular looking for listening.

For many, It is a way to confide without fear of the judgment of adults or their peers. The nuance, however, lies in perception: most French teenagers still consider these exchanges as a punctual complement, while in the United States some young people declare that they prefer their conversations with artificial intelligence to those who have true friends.

Between emotional support and risk of dependence

These are designed to maintain attention and create a strong connection. Some young people are developing an attachment that goes beyond simple entertainment.

Notice of psychologists: the child can confuse the relationship with an AI – Scheduled to respond with empathy – with a true human relationship. The risk is therefore seeing the teenager is more isolated, preferring a digital companion to exchanges with his peers or his family.

The dramatic case of a teenager whose parents accuse a chatbot of having aggravated his anguish before his suicide recently marked public opinion. If the direct responsibility of artificial intelligence remains difficult to establish, the case illustrates the fragility of this soil not yet framed.

Until insufficient safeguards

The safety problem is central. Some chatbots have no effective filters against inappropriate, violent or sexualized observations. The American Academy of Pediatrics recalls that conversational AIS are not designed as therapeutic tools and that they must never replace the psychological follow -up.

Another problem: personal data. Teenagers often share sensitive information without filter. However, many of these applications are based on economic models that use these data for commercial purposes.

How to support young people in the face of these tools

Rather than banning as a whole, experts invite parents to remain present and support their children in the use of these technologies. Here are some concrete tracks:

• Open the discussion without judgment : Just ask “what are you talking about with your virtual partner?” To understand what the child is looking for in this relationship.
• We remember the nature of Ai : Explain it behind the illusion of a friend understanding hides a program, which does not feel real emotions.
• Set the time : As for video games or social networks, define the beaches to avoid addiction.
• Encourages real social relationships : Value face -to -to -face activity (sport, exits, discussions with friends) to maintain a balance.
• Monitor the warning signals : growing isolation, sleep disorders, retreat … so many signs that they must notify and push to consult a professional.
• Inquire : Read with the child the conditions of use and the rules of confidentiality of the application to develop a critical aspect.

A necessary supervision

The rise of virtual companions to the illustrates the paradoxes of our time: these tools can provide immediate but long -term comforts weaken the emotional balance of young people. Parents play a key role to play to supervise these uses, while remaining attentive to the signals of discomfort that require human, real and professional help.