Are AI chatbots replacing peers? How artificial relationships affect children's emotional development

MarGib July 08, 2026

🌐 🇵🇱 Polski · 🇬🇧 EN

In 2026, nearly one in four Polish children regularly talks to a chatbot instead of their peers. Is artificial intelligence becoming a substitute for real relationships – and what are the consequences for the emotional development of the youngest generation?

Dziecko korzystające z chatbota AI na smartfonie, podczas gdy za oknem bawią się rówieśnicy — Illustration: Artificial relationships versus real friendships – a challenge for the AI generation

In the digital era, children are increasingly turning to tools that seemed like science fiction just a decade ago. AI chatbots – from Snapchat My AI to Character.AI – are becoming the first "friends" for many of them, with whom they share their problems, dreams, and even daily frustrations. Data from 2026 is alarming: 23% of Polish teenagers use chatbots several times a week, and 12% do so daily. Global statistics are even more concerning – in developed countries, 42% of youth aged 13–18 regularly talk to AI, often instead of people.

Why are children and teenagers so eager to choose interactions with algorithms? And what does this mean for their emotional development?

Why are chatbots attractive to children?

Artificial intelligence does not judge, does not criticize, and is available 24/7. These are the very features that make chatbots a magnet for children and teenagers – especially those struggling with peer relationship issues or low self-esteem.

No criticism and instant gratification. Chatbots always "listen" and react positively, which for many children is a relief compared to real-life relationships, where they may face rejection or misunderstanding. Research shows that 78% of teenagers value AI because it "doesn't judge" (source).
Personalization and control. Platforms like Character.AI allow users to customize a chatbot's personality to their own needs – from an "ideal friend" to a "mentor." For children with anxiety disorders or autism, this can be a form of escape from the chaos of real-life interactions.

However, this is only one side of the coin. The other – much more concerning – involves the consequences of such an exchange.

How does AI affect children's emotional development?

Interactions with chatbots may seem harmless or even helpful. The problem arises when they replace real-life relationships – and data suggests that this is exactly what is happening.

1. Weakening of social skills

Conversing with a human requires empathy, patience, and the ability to read emotions from tone of voice or facial expressions. Chatbots do not offer this. A study published in Nature Human Behaviour in 2026 found that interactions with AI do not activate the brain's empathy-related areas (e.g., the prefrontal cortex) to the same extent as human conversations. Long-term use of chatbots can lead to the atrophy of social skills, which in turn increases the risk of isolation (source).

2. Unrealistic expectations of relationships

Chatbots are always "nice," always "listen," and never refuse. For children who have not yet formed relationship patterns, this can lead to unrealistic expectations of other people. Psychologist Dr. Jean Twenge, in an interview with The Guardian, emphasizes that the lack of negative reactions from AI can increase the risk of social anxiety when a child encounters refusal or criticism in the real world (source).

3. Addiction to instant gratification

Chatbots provide answers in a fraction of a second, which can weaken the ability to cope with frustration. A 2025 American Psychological Association report indicates that children accustomed to instant AI responses have difficulty with patience in real-life relationships (source).

4. Clinical cases

In 2026, the first reports of chatbot addiction and its consequences began to emerge. At the University Hospital in Krakow, three cases of teenagers (14–16 years old) with symptoms of depression and social anxiety were recorded, whose main problem was addiction to Replika. The patients spent 4–6 hours a day talking to AI, neglecting contact with their peers (source).

A longitudinal study published in JAMA Pediatrics showed that children using chatbots more than 3 times a week had a 30% higher risk of experiencing social anxiety symptoms at ages 12–14 (source).

What do experts and organizations say?

Global and Polish institutions are starting to sound the alarm. Here is what they recommend:

GIS (2026): In a guide for parents, it recommends limiting time with chatbots to 1 hour per day for teenagers and a total ban for children under 10 (source).
Ministry of Education (2026): Introduces the "Digital Resilience" program, which, starting in September 2026, is intended to educate students about the risks of replacing human relationships with AI (source).

Can AI also be helpful?

Despite the risks, artificial intelligence also has positive applications in children's emotional development. However, it is crucial that it remains a supporting tool, not a substitute for real-life relationships.

Therapeutic support. The Woebot chatbot, approved by the FDA in 2025, helps youth with depression and anxiety. Studies have shown a 25% reduction in anxiety symptoms in teenagers using it for 3 months (source).
Learning empathy. The UNICEF "AI for Good" project uses chatbots to teach emotion recognition to children with autism. Results show improved social skills (source).

As noted by Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a neuroscientist at Northeastern University, "AI can be a tool, but it will not replace human relationships. Children need authentic interactions to develop empathy and social skills."

What can parents and schools do?

Mitigating the negative impact of AI on children requires action on multiple levels:

1. Education and awareness

Talk to your child about the difference between AI and real-life relationships. Explain why talking to a human is important.
Use programs like "Digital Resilience" in schools, which teach about the risks associated with AI (more about the program).
If you are interested in how AI is changing education, read our post about ChatGPT in school.

2. Technological limitations

Use parental control tools, such as Google Family Link, to limit chatbot usage time.
Enable notifications for excessive AI usage (e.g., in Snapchat My AI).
Choose platforms with an educational mode, like Character.AI, that promote healthy habits.

3. Promoting real-life relationships

Encourage your child to spend time with peers – sports, hobbies, social gatherings.
Be emotionally available. Children often turn to chatbots because they have no one to talk to.
If your child has difficulty making connections, consider therapy or social skills workshops.

Summary: AI will not replace humans

AI chatbots can be helpful – as a therapeutic or educational tool, or as support for children with disabilities. They will not, however, replace authentic human relationships, which are the foundation of emotional development. It is crucial that children use AI consciously and in moderation, and that parents and schools have the tools to help them do so.

In 2026, we face a new challenge: how to harness the potential of artificial intelligence without losing what is most valuable – human bonds.

"Technology should serve people, not replace them. Children need real friendships, not algorithms."
Dr. Jean Twenge, Psychologist