The artificial intelligence boom is rapidly changing how we interact with technology, and one of the most intriguing developments is the emergence of AI companions. These aren’s the chatbots many people already know—like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini—which some users treat as friends or even romantic partners. Instead, AI companions are specifically designed for emotional connection, offering a simulated relationship that can be a friend, coach, role-playing partner, or even a virtual spouse. These companions are highly customizable and are becoming increasingly popular: global downloads of companion apps reached 220 million as of July 2025, according to TechCrunch.
What Exactly Are AI Companions?
Dr. Rachel Wood, a licensed therapist and expert on AI and synthetic relationships, describes AI companions as “machines that essentially simulate conversation and companionship with a human.” Powered by large language models (LLMs), these AI systems can recognize, interpret, and respond to human speech in remarkably human-like ways. LLMs are built by training AI on vast quantities of text – including literature, journalism, and internet content – allowing them to generate responses that feel personalized and engaging.
While users can often design or choose companions based on their preferences, AI companions are adept at responding in kind due to their complex programming. Although responses are statistically generated, the ability to deliver empathy and affirmation makes them uniquely compelling.
Where Can I Find an AI Companion?
Several platforms offer AI companionship experiences. Popular options include Character.AI, Nomi, Replika, and Kindroid. Other companies entering the space include Talkie.AI and Elon Musk’s Grok.AI, which debuted a limited set of companions in July. Each platform provides distinct features, access tiers, and safety protocols.
It’s worth noting that while some platforms – like Character.AI (intended for users 13+)—may allow younger users, others (Nomi, Replika, and Kindroid) are restricted to those 18 and older. However, verifying age is often limited to a birthdate selection, making it relatively easy to bypass age restrictions.
Interacting with AI Companions: From Anime Characters to Role-Playing
Users can typically design their own chatbot or engage with one created and shared by another user. Interaction can occur via text, voice, and even video. Commonly encountered “archetypes” include anime characters, idealized romantic interests, coaches, best friends, and representations of real-life and fictional figures.
Some platforms controversially allow users to interact with chatbots presented as mental health therapists—a practice that is neither appropriate nor legal for human professionals.
Users leverage their companions for diverse purposes, from romantic scenarios and friendship to assistance with work or assignments. Researchers analyzing ChatGPT logs found that the second most frequent use of AI is for sexual role-playing, highlighting the range of human interaction these platforms facilitate.
Potential Benefits and Risks of AI Companionship
Robert Mahari, associate director of Stanford’s CodeX Center and a researcher who analyzed ChatGPT logs, emphasizes the need for more research to fully understand the implications of AI companionship. While preliminary studies suggest potential emotional benefits, concerns about dependency are growing.
Mahari raises a critical point: AI companionship creates an inherently unbalanced dynamic, where users primarily receive emotional support without reciprocal effort. This can pose several risks.
Jocelyn Skillman, a mental health counselor researching AI intimacy, experimented with an AI tool simulating various AI use cases, including a teen sharing suicidal thoughts with a chatbot. Her findings illustrate the potential “hidden costs” of AI intimacy, where reliance on AI can paradoxically create constraints in human relationships.
Dr. Rachel Wood highlights key potential harms, including:
- Loss of relational and social skills: The ease of interaction with a nonjudgmental chatbot can erode patience with the complexities of human relationships, hindering negotiation and conflict resolution.
- Less positive risk-taking: Human relationships involve challenges and potential for rejection; seeking refuge in AI may prevent users from taking vital risks in their human connections.
- Unhelpful feedback loops: Constant affirmation from an AI can be deceptive, reinforcing potentially harmful behaviors and hindering emotional growth.
- Sycophancy: AI’s tendency to be flattering can lead to delusion and impede critical thinking.
- Privacy: Users should carefully review terms of service and understand that information shared with AI may be used for marketing, platform training, or other purposes they haven’t anticipated.
Dr. Wood concludes that AI companionship could fundamentally alter how people value real relationships, urging individuals to thoughtfully consider the role of AI intimacy in their lives.
The increasing popularity of AI companions raises important questions about the future of human connection and the potential impact of these technologies on our emotional well-being. Further research and thoughtful consideration are essential to navigating this evolving landscape
