Study Reveals Adolescents Prefer "Best Friend" AI Chatbots Over Transparent Alternatives

Insights into Relational AI’s Impact on Youth Engagement

Vulnerable Adolescents Show Strong Preference for Relational Communication

Key Considerations for AI Design in Youth-Facing Technologies

Future Innovations: ETIH Innovation Awards 2026

The Friendship Factor: How Adolescents Connect with AI Chatbots

A recent study conducted by Pilyoung Kim, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Denver and the director of the Brain, AI, and Child Center, along with a concurrent appointment as a visiting scholar at Stanford University, has shed light on the intriguing ways adolescents engage with AI. The findings reveal a striking preference: most young people between the ages of 11 and 15 favor AI chatbots that communicate with a friendly, relatable tone rather than those that clearly state their non-human nature.

Conversational Tone: The Heart of Engagement

The study, which analyzed responses from 284 adolescent-parent pairs across the United States, focused on how the conversational approach of chatbots influences youth engagement. Participants explored two identical chatbot interactions that responded to a common peer-related issue.

One chatbot employed relational language, using a first-person voice and emotional reassurance. The other chatbot took a more transparent approach, clearly stating its lack of human attributes and feelings.

The results were telling: 67% of adolescents gravitated towards the relational chatbot, while only 14% opted for the transparent one. The preference for the relational AI was not just a matter of tone; adolescents rated this chatbot as more human-like, likable, trustworthy, and emotionally close—even though both were perceived as equally helpful.

Kim emphasized in a LinkedIn post that this preference for relational communication stems from emotional tone rather than differences in practical assistance.

Insights into Vulnerable Adolescents

The study also highlighted that adolescents who favored relational AI often reported lower quality in family and peer relationships, alongside increased stress and anxiety levels. These findings remained consistent even after accounting for prior AI use and existing mental health diagnoses.

The authors of the paper characterized conversational style as a "design lever," affecting perceived anthropomorphism and emotional intimacy. While relational language may bolster perceived support, it could also heighten the risk of emotional dependency, especially among adolescents who may already be socially or emotionally vulnerable.

On the flip side, the transparent chatbot diminished feelings of humanness and emotional connection without significantly affecting its perceived helpfulness. This suggests that maintaining clear boundaries can support users without compromising the assistance offered.

Rethinking AI Design for Youth

As AI chatbots become increasingly prevalent in educational environments, the implications of these findings are profound. The authors advocate for integrating transparency cues, consistent boundary reminders, and enhanced AI literacy for both students and parents as core safety features in youth-focused AI systems.

Although this study does not explore long-term outcomes, it raises pertinent questions for EdTech developers. How does conversational tone shape trust, emotional engagement, and safeguarding responsibilities in AI tools used by young people? As relational language becomes a more common element in AI interfaces, these considerations will be critical for ensuring safe and supportive interactions.

Conclusion: Building Trust in the Age of AI

As we navigate the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on youth, understanding the nuances of how adolescents relate to AI becomes essential. The ability of chatbots to emulate the conversational style of a best friend not only fosters engagement but also raises important questions about emotional safety and dependency.

In conclusion, as educational technology advances and AI tools become more integrated into our daily lives, striking the right balance between relatability and transparency will be crucial. For educators, developers, and parents alike, ensuring that our youth engage with technology in a healthy, enlightening way remains a paramount responsibility.

Stay tuned for the 2026 ETIH Innovation Awards, where we’ll celebrate groundbreaking advancements in the intersection of emotional intelligence, technology, and education!