1 in 5 High Schoolers Have Had a Romantic AI Relationship or Know Someone Who Has
A new survey conducted by the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) has revealed that nearly one in five high school students have had a romantic relationship with artificial intelligence, or know someone who has. The study, which gathered data from over 1,000 ninth through 12th grade students, found that 42% of respondents reported using AI for companionship.
According to the CDT's Elizabeth Laird, one of the authors of the report, "The more ways that a student reports that their school uses AI, the more likely they are to report things like having had a romantic relationship with an AI or knowing someone who has." This correlation suggests that students who are exposed to AI in educational settings may be more likely to engage in romantic relationships with digital entities.
Background and Context
The CDT conducted national surveys of roughly 800 sixth through 12th grade public school teachers, 1,000 ninth through 12th grade students, and 1,000 parents. The vast majority (86%) of students, 85% of educators, and 75% of parents reported using AI during the last school year.
Implications for Society
The rise in romantic relationships with AI has sparked concerns about the impact on mental health, social skills, and human relationships. "As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it's essential to consider its effects on young people," said Laird. "We need to have open and honest conversations about what it means to form connections with machines."
Additional Perspectives
Dr. Rachel Kim, a psychologist specializing in adolescent development, notes that the trend may be linked to increasing social isolation among teenagers. "Young people are spending more time interacting with screens than ever before," she said. "It's not surprising that they're seeking companionship online, but we need to ensure that this doesn't come at the expense of real-life relationships."
Current Status and Next Developments
The CDT report highlights the need for educators, policymakers, and parents to address the implications of AI on young people's lives. As AI continues to evolve, it's essential to consider its impact on human relationships and mental health.
In response to the findings, the CDT is calling for increased awareness and education about AI among students, teachers, and parents. "We need to have a national conversation about how we can ensure that AI is used in ways that promote healthy development and well-being," said Laird.
The full report from the Center for Democracy and Technology is available online.
*Reporting by Npr.*
