High schoolers admit to dating AI as romantic relationships grow

A recent study by the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) revealed that about 20% of high school students either know someone or have personally been in a romantic relationship with an artificial intelligence (AI) entity.

People who came of age with the internet are already familiar with chatting to online bots. Even in the early days, platforms like MSN Messenger and AOL Chatrooms had bots, though those conversations were simple and predictable.

As Artificial Intelligence gets better and better, people are increasingly using programs like ChatGPT to chat and even find a sense of connection. Many users report feeling comforted by these AI interactions, which can lead to surprisingly personal conversations.

If this sounds similar to the 2013 movie *Her*, you’re right to think so. There are increasing reports of people using AI for romantic connections, and this is even starting to occur among students in schools.

High schoolers are increasingly in love with AI

A recent report from the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) found that almost 90% of high school students and teachers have used AI in some way during the past year.

Nearly half of students (42%) reported knowing someone who uses AI for companionship, or using it themselves. Almost 20% of students know someone, or have personally experienced, a romantic relationship with an AI.

According to Elizabeth Laird at the Center for Democracy & Technology, students who report their school uses AI in multiple ways are also more likely to express beliefs like having friends or romantic partners who are AI.

This isn’t a completely surprising development. A report from Common Sense Media in late July showed that almost one-third of teenagers actually prefer talking to AI chatbots over their real friends.

According to an 18-year-old who spoke with the Associated Press, one of the appealing things about AI is that it’s always there for you, patient, and non-critical.

Some platforms have put increased controls in place to protect younger users too.

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2025-10-15 13:19