Virtual Friends, Real Risks: The Rise of AI Companions for Teens
Data Sources · Season 4 · Episode 10
For some teenagers, virtual companions are already replacing friends or mental health professionals. As millions adopt these AI companions, how far can their influence reach? This investigation examines how these platforms operate and the potentially toxic effects they can have on young users.
Episode Details
Air date, runtime, timezone, and episode position.
Season
4
Episode
10
Air Date
10/Jun/2026
Air Time
—
Runtime
21 min
Overview
Episode summary.
For some teenagers, virtual companions are already replacing friends or mental health professionals. As millions adopt these AI companions, how far can their influence reach? This investigation examines how these platforms operate and the potentially toxic effects they can have on young users.
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