The Hidden World of Teen AI Use: Creativity, Self-Reflection, and More

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Teenagers are using AI chatbots in ways that go beyond what we typically think of as 'companion AI'.

TL;DR
• Teenagers use AI chatbots for information seeking, homework, and entertainment.
• They create diverse character archetypes for creative expression and self-reflection.
• Banning AI access for teenagers may not be the best solution.

Summary
Teenagers today engage with AI chatbots in ways that extend far beyond the popular narrative of digital companionship. While media headlines often focus on emotional support, the reality shows a broader spectrum of uses, including information gathering, academic assistance, and creative exploration.

A recent study of Character.AI users aged 13 to 17 revealed that 57% seek information, 54% tackle homework, and 47% use the platform for fun. Only a small fraction—12%—turn to AI for emotional advice, and romance or loneliness support rank even lower. These statistics highlight that the majority of teen interactions are driven by curiosity and learning.

Delving deeper into the platform’s Discord community, researchers identified three core intents: restoration, exploration, and transformation. Teens create characters that serve as comfort bots for periods or test prep, craft elaborate narratives that span multiple books, and experiment with identity by modeling clones or “toxic friend” scenarios. Seven archetypes—soother, narrator, trickster, icon, dark soul, proxy, and mirror—illustrate the diversity of creative expression and self‑reflection.

The findings suggest that policy and design should move beyond blanket bans toward nuanced, user‑centered approaches. By listening to teen experiences, fostering safe creative spaces, and integrating adaptive safeguards, developers can build AI tools that nurture imagination while maintaining healthy social grounding. This balanced strategy aligns with emerging guidelines that prioritize individual context over rigid limits, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for growth rather than a barrier.

As we move forward with AI development, it's essential to consider the diverse ways teenagers are using these tools and design them with their needs and creativity in mind.