Michigan Experts Warn: Your Child's New Friend May Be an AI Companion

Teens are increasingly using AI chatbots for companionship, raising concerns about loneliness and emotional dependence.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Experts in Michigan are warning parents about the growing popularity of AI chatbots among children and teens, who are using them not just for schoolwork but for social interaction and companionship. These 'digital friends' can appear empathetic and are always available, but they are not human and do not replace professional support. Warning signs include children becoming isolated, withdrawing from social activities, and referring to the AI as if it's a real person. Researchers have found that heavy daily use of chatbots is linked to increased loneliness, dependence, and reduced real-world socializing.

Why it matters

The rise of AI companions among children and teens is concerning because it can lead to emotional dependence, delayed development of important social skills, and a reduction in real-world interactions and relationships. Experts worry that AI chatbots are designed to maximize engagement and create an addictive 'frictionless bond' that can be harmful, especially for vulnerable adolescents.

The details

AI chatbots are becoming increasingly popular with children and teens, with a national survey finding that 72% of 13- to 17-year-olds had tried them. About one-third were using them for social interaction and relationships, including friendship and romantic interactions. These AI companions are designed to be personalized and to provide empathetic responses, but experts warn they cannot replace human interaction and support. They say warning signs include children becoming isolated, withdrawing from social activities, and referring to the AI as a real person. A recent study found that heavy daily use of chatbots was linked to increased loneliness, dependence, and reduced real-world socializing.

  • In 2025, a national survey by Common Sense Media found that 72% of children ages 13 to 17 had tried AI companions.
  • In early 2026, Michigan lawmakers proposed 'kids over clicks' legislation to restrict minors' access to AI chatbots.

The players

Brina Tiemeyer

Director of clinical services at Wedgwood Christian Services, who recently published an AI companion guide.

Keanon O'Keefe

Senior project manager at MagicSchool, an AI platform designed for educators.

Stephanie Tong

Communications professor at Wayne State University.

Sen. Stephanie Chang

A Michigan state senator who introduced legislation to restrict minors' access to AI chatbots.

Kyle Zawacki

The legislative director for Michigan's American Civil Liberties Union chapter, who has raised concerns about the proposed legislation.

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What they’re saying

“I've seen teens ask AI to flirt with a peer or how to respond to conflict in their friend group, and it's really taking away that cognitive ability of critical thinking and independent thought.”

— Brina Tiemeyer, Director of clinical services at Wedgwood Christian Services (Bridge Michigan)

“These companions are always online. There is no rejection or refusal. A lot of the cognitive development that we get through normal interaction ...that's just not there.”

— Keanon O'Keefe, Senior project manager at MagicSchool (Bridge Michigan)

“If people believe that that's the norm, that you have this one-sided conversation with this bot that always agrees with you, is always championing your point of view, you never have to engage in any self-reflection or self-awareness.”

— Stephanie Tong, Communications professor at Wayne State University (Bridge Michigan)

“As technology advances, online safety seems to become increasingly out of our grasp, whether it be AI programs or social media platforms.”

— Sen. Stephanie Chang, Michigan state senator (Bridge Michigan)

“It's a very, very difficult needle to thread to protect our First Amendment rights with regards to trying to protect kids to access things.”

— Kyle Zawacki, Legislative director for Michigan's American Civil Liberties Union chapter (Bridge Michigan)

What’s next

Michigan lawmakers have proposed 'kids over clicks' legislation that would require tech companies to prevent Michiganders under 18 from accessing AI chatbots powered by large language models. The legislation is aimed at addressing the growing concerns around the impact of AI companions on children and teens.

The takeaway

The rise of AI chatbots as 'digital companions' for children and teens is a concerning trend that could lead to increased loneliness, emotional dependence, and delayed social development. Experts are calling for greater regulation and parental awareness to ensure that young people maintain healthy, balanced relationships and social interactions.