From Gameboys to AI Girlfriends: The Next Wave Is Already Here

From Gameboys to AI Girlfriends: The Next Wave Is Already Here

I’ve been working with youth for over 30 years, and I’ve seen the tech tides shift again and again. I remember when the biggest debate was who got to use the Gameboy Color while the other kid had to suffer through the old black-and-white version. That feels quaint now.

For the last 13 years, I’ve focused heavily on how smartphones and social media impact youth mental health. But here we are in 2025, and I believe we’re entering an entirely new wave—the AI revolution. In fact, I’ve been focusing a lot on AI in my trainings lately because I don’t think we’ll be talking about smartphones much longer. They could easily be replaced by devices we wear, speak to, and interact with without ever needing to scroll, swipe, or tap.

A recent study from the UK confirms something I’ve been warning about: kids are already forming relationships with AI companions. Not just for fun or convenience—some of them prefer it.

Key Takeaways from the Article
(Source: Quartz – Kids Are Using AI for Friendship)

🤖 AI Friends Are Here

• 42% of youth in the study say they use AI chatbots to help with schoolwork.
• 15% say they would rather talk to a chatbot than a real person.
• Some report they feel more emotionally safe with AI than with peers or adults.

📲 Why This Matters

• Kids might begin to view human connection as “too risky” or “too complicated.”
• They may start outsourcing emotional needs to something that can’t feel, care, or correct them.
• This shift could affect how they build resilience, empathy, and real-world social skills.

🧠 The Mental Health Link

• We already know social media impacts youth anxiety and depression.
• If kids start using AI to avoid real-life relationships, we may see new forms of emotional isolation—even if they seem “connected.”

What You Can Do as a Caring Adult

👂 Ask questions—not just about grades, but about who your child talks to.
“Have you ever used an AI chatbot? What was that like?” This opens the door to understanding their digital relationships.

📵 Don’t just monitor screen time—explore screen meaning.
Not all tech time is equal. Talking to an AI “friend” for emotional support is very different than watching Minecraft videos.

👥 Model real-world interaction.
Kids need to see adults having meaningful conversations face-to-face. Show them what emotional connection looks like in real life.

🔄 Stay updated on AI trends.
You don’t need to be an expert, but being aware of AI tools your child might be using will help you guide them. If you’re reading this, you’re already doing it.

Final Thought
Tech has always evolved. So have kids. But this new wave is unlike anything we’ve seen—because it’s not just changing what kids do; it’s changing who they connect with. AI isn’t evil, but it’s not a replacement for you, your guidance, or their friendships. Be aware. Stay engaged. Help your child grow up with tech, not because of it.

—Ryan