I Asked Teen Boys Why They Use AI Chatbots. This Common Response Truly Alarmed Me [View all]

Parents must not sleepwalk into this one.

Lee Chambers
25/09/2025 06:00am BST

When we think about what our kids might be using artificial intelligence (AI) for, most probably assume it’s for homework. But the truth is that plenty of boys are using AI for friendship – and even romance.

I recently conducted research with boys in schools to understand how attitudes and behaviours are shaping their futures.

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They can choose how the girl looks and then decide how they want her to respond – will she be submissive or come with an attitude? – which is possibly the scariest part.

These AI bots are highly customisable and personalised, creating perfection down to every last detail – and users have full control over that. Companies give them gamified elements that make it almost addictive to interact with them.
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https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/teen-boys-chatbots-ai-parent-concerns_uk_68bef24be4b0c7e4e96f090b