AI companionship and human connection
From the early edition, with research available through September 12, 2026 (UTC).
Sustained social engagement with Character.AI was associated with lower well-being. Less in-person interaction statistically explained much of that relationship.
Why it matters for leaders
Review whether school-supported tools encourage reliance or extend human support. In family guidance, distinguish an instructional assistant from a companion designed for sustained social engagement.
The evidence
Researchers surveyed 1,182 adult users initially and 439 approximately a year later. Models accounted for baseline measures and attempted to correct for selective follow-up.
Who was studied
U.S. adults, ages 18-90: no child sample
What the evidence cannot tell us
Only 37% returned. Human interaction was measured only at follow-up, limiting claims about displacement or causal direction. Self-report, one platform, and an adult sample limit application to students.
Read the original sources
Summary and leadership analysis from the September 6–13, 2026 brief. The edition’s selection notes explain source access and evidence limitations.