New CDT Research Will Explore the Impacts of Social Relationships with AI Chatbots on Neurodivergent Young Adults
June 30, 2026
AI chatbots capable of and even designed for social companionship have proliferated in recent years. Ranging from generative AI platforms with chat interfaces (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity) to more visually stimulating AI-powered avatars capable of text, talk, or video engagement (e.g., Replika, Character.AI, Nomi, etc), AI “companions” offer users seemingly infinite availability, friendship, mentorship, and even romance.
The once science fiction concept of an artificial friend or partner is now a reality for many, especially among young people. A recent report from Common Sense Mediafound that more than 70% of teens have used AI companions and about half use them regularly. The Institute for Family Studies/YouGov found that one in four adults under 40 surveyed believe that AI has the potential to replace real-life romantic relationships.
