Estonian Youth Embrace AI Companions as Schools Lag Behind
A new EU Kids Online study in Estonia reveals that 83% of 15-16 year olds have used artificial intelligence, with a growing number adopting AI chatbots as friends or romantic partners, raising urgent questions about the blurring lines between virtual and real relationships for a generation navigating an unprepared educational system.
- —A recent EU Kids Online study in Estonia indicates a significant increase in internet usage among children and adolescents, particularly for schoolwork, with digital environments becoming integral to their daily lives.
- —The study highlights a notable rise in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools among young people, with 83% of 15-16 year olds having tried AI, and even younger children showing high engagement.
- —A concerning trend identified is the emergence of AI companions (chatbots) used by youth as friends or romantic partners, raising concerns about blurring lines between real and virtual relationships.
- —While exposure to online risks like harmful content has increased with internet use, cyberbullying rates have remained stable compared to previous surveys.
- —The study also points to a lack of clear school policies and teacher preparedness regarding AI use, leading to confusion among students.
- —Researchers emphasize the urgent need for public discourse and potential regulation concerning AI, particularly regarding the creation and distribution of AI-generated harmful content involving minors.
Recap
The rapid adoption of AI among Estonian youth, particularly the emergence of AI companions, is outpacing the response of educational and regulatory bodies. This creates a significant risk gap, where novel social behaviors are forming in an unstructured environment. The findings signal an urgent need for clear school policies and a broader public debate on AI's societal impact before potential harms, such as the generation of abusive content, become widespread.