May 21, 2026
By: Christal Taggart
When my children were teenagers, we would often pile into our 15-passenger van, and go somewhere as a family. That van was rarely quiet, and we eventually gave it a name: the “Van-O-Fun.” It was filled with overlapping conversations, laughter, and the occasional raised voice. This was especially true when friends came along.
Those moments gave me a window into my children’s world. I could hear what they were talking about, what mattered to them, and even some of the juicy gossip in their lives. There was a genuine sense of connection that came from simply being together.
A few years later, as technology became more portable and personal, everything changed. Handheld games, texting, and individual screens slowly replaced many of the conversations that once filled our van. Instead of talking, the kids often sat quietly side by side, absorbed in their own devices. The laughter faded, the conversations became less frequent, and something meaningful was lost.
Today, technology appears to be taking this one step further. Artificial intelligence is no longer simply a tool people use for information or entertainment. Researchers are beginning to observe that internationally, people are turning to AI for emotional support, advice, and companionship. This raises an important question: What happens when artificial interaction begins replacing real human connections?
A Rising Trend
What may seem like a fringe issue is quickly becoming mainstream behavior among teenagers . A recent report from Common Sense Media found that 72% of teens have used AI companions, while more than half interact with them regularly. Even more surprising, about one in three teens reported using AI companions for emotional support, friendship, or serious conversations. And some described those interactions as equally satisfying, or more satisfying, than conversations with real-life friends.
At first glance, talking with an AI companion may not seem very different from using social media or sending text messages. Many people view AI as simply another form of technology. However, artificial companionship differs in one important way: it is designed to imitate emotional connection.
Why Artificial Companionship Feels Different
Unlike search engines or traditional media, AI companions are built to respond in personal and conversational ways. They remember previous conversations, offer encouragement, and adapt their responses to make interactions feel more meaningful. Over time, some individuals may begin to form emotional attachments to these interactions.
Researchers are beginning to explore what this means for families and human relationships. A recent article published in Family Relations discussed the growing concern surrounding human–AI “attachment” within family systems. The authors suggested that while AI may provide comfort or companionship, it could also influence how individuals develop and maintain real-world relationships.
Why Human Relationships Matter
This concern is especially important for teenagers and young adults, who are still developing communication and relationship skills. Real relationships teach people how to navigate disagreement, practice empathy, resolve conflict, and develop patience. Human connection requires vulnerability and effort. AI companionship, however, is designed to feel easy.
In many ways, that ease is what makes AI appealing. Artificial companions do not become offended, emotionally withdraw, or require you to work at the relationship. Conversations can be personalized and affirming, creating an experience that feels safe and predictable. However, relationships that avoid discomfort also limit emotional growth.
Experts at Stanford University have expressed concern that young people may become increasingly dependent on AI companionship during important stages of emotional and social development. While AI can simulate empathy and attention, it cannot fully replace the depth, accountability, and mutual sacrifice found in genuine human relationships.
Fostering Connection
Research suggests that parents are becoming increasingly concerned about how AI may influence emotional development and social interaction among teenagers. Strong relationships require time, effort, and presence. Families cannot prevent every technological change, but they can create opportunities for genuine connection. Some simple things we can do to encourage connection and help strengthen relationships competing with screens and artificial interaction are:
- Device Free Time
- Shared Family Meals
- Engaging In Meaningful Conversations
- Family Activities
Young people especially need opportunities to develop real-world relationship skills. Learning how to navigate disagreement, practice empathy, and communicate through difficult moments are essential parts of emotional growth. While AI may simulate companionship, it cannot fully replace the depth and mutual care found in authentic human relationships.
Looking back, I had no idea those noisy moments in our van would fade while the children were still at home. I assumed time and adulthood would eventually change things. But I never expected technology to quiet many of the ordinary conversations that would later become some of my most treasured memories. As technology became more personal and portable, many of those spontaneous conversations slowly became less common. The truth is strong family connections do not happen by accident. They must be intentionally created and protected over time.
In our family, connection was built through ordinary but consistent experiences. These moments may not have seemed extraordinary at the time, but they created relationships that endured. In fact, today I watched two of my adult children sitting on my bed, laughing and enjoying each other’s company, while planning a movie night together. They genuinely want to spend time together, and I believe that closeness was built slowly through years of shared experiences and everyday interactions as a family.
Technology will continue to evolve, and artificial intelligence will likely become an even greater part of daily life. However, real relationships still matter. Families and friendships cannot be replaced by algorithms and artificial companionships. As society moves further into the digital world, the challenge is not simply learning how to use technology wisely, but remembering to intentionally create the kinds of relationships that help people feel truly loved and connected.
Christal is a senior at BYU–Idaho, graduating in July 2026 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies with an emphasis in parent education. She also holds an Associate’s degree in Family History Research, reflecting her strong commitment to family across generations.
Christal is passionate about strengthening and preserving the family and is excited to support United Families International’s mission through her internship. She is a wife, mother of seven, and grandmother of nine, and finds her greatest joy in spending time with her family, gardening, traveling, and laughing.