A core developmental task of adolescence is to explore the question, “Where do I belong?” Finding “your people” is central to that journey. This is why peers and peer friendships play such a critical role in the emotional lives of adolescents. Our early social experiences teach us something essential about being human. They help us learn to tolerate discomfort, navigate complexity, and grow through feedback and accountability. The teenage brain is built to learn from these social experiences.

To be clear, too many young people are forced to cope with harmful social interactions. We can learn and grow from these experiences, but we shouldn’t have to. This is why efforts focused on bullying prevention, consent, conflict resolution, and school connectedness are essential.

Yet for the many typical social experiences that represent challenging but positive parts of growing up, our early relationships offer fertile ground for skill-building and growth.

Given the social turbulence of adolescence, it’s no surprise that teens might turn to AI to sort through their experiences. The draw of private, affirming, and nonjudgmental spaces makes sense.

The data backs this up. For example, 71 percent of young people have interacted with an AI companion. They are using AI systems for connection, role-playing, relational advice, and more. Most young people are likely experimenting with these tools and moving on or using them in ways that complement their peer friendships. But we should pay close attention to their reasons for using AI. In a recent report by Common Sense Media and the Center for Digital Thriving, one young person said, “That robot makes me feel important.” Another explained, “We use AI because we are lonely and also because real people are mean and judging........

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