Across Africa, a growing number of teenagers are turning to AI chatbots not just for homework or entertainment, but for something much more personal. For many young people, AI has quietly become a companion, a confidant, and in some cases, their safest emotional outlet.
Teenagers say they use different AI platforms depending on what they need. Older teens often prefer tools like ChatGPT for schoolwork or academic questions, while younger ones gravitate toward apps built into their social platforms because they feel more friendly and accessible. But regardless of the platform, the motivation is often the same. Many teens say these bots feel easier to talk to than real people. They describe AI as non-judgmental, always available, and patient in ways humans aren’t always able to be.
Some teenagers use AI to navigate social situations, especially romantic ones. They ask for advice on how to talk to someone they like or how to respond during difficult conversations. Others use AI for emotional check-ins, asking what to do after fighting with a parent or when they’re feeling overwhelmed. For some, AI becomes a place to express feelings they believe their families or communities would dismiss or misunderstand.
This growing reliance doesn’t mean teens think the AI is human. They generally know it isn’t. Instead, it’s the predictability and the sense of safety that keeps them coming back. In societies where certain topics — intimacy, mental health, sexuality — can be uncomfortable or taboo, chatting with an AI can feel like the only space where they can speak freely.
But this trend also raises concerns. Experts worry that when teens form emotional bonds with systems designed to validate them endlessly, it may create unrealistic expectations for real relationships. Since AI cannot feel, empathize in a human sense, or fully understand context, it can occasionally offer advice that seems comforting but isn’t always safe or appropriate. There is also the risk that teenagers could withdraw from real friendships or family relationships because the AI connection feels easier and less complicated.
Another challenge is that AI tools are not designed to replace professional mental health support. When a teenager is dealing with serious emotional distress, an AI might not know how to respond in a way that truly protects their wellbeing. Some teens also explore sensitive or intimate topics with AI, which raises questions about how young people learn boundaries and navigate consent.
Parents and educators often struggle with how to respond. Some worry about teenagers forming emotional attachments to AI or receiving guidance that isn’t age-appropriate. Others are simply unaware of how deeply these technologies have become part of everyday teenage life. A lack of structured AI education in many African countries means teens often learn on their own, without guidance on safe or responsible use.
A more balanced approach might be the way forward. Instead of banning AI outright, families and communities can focus on building trust with young people, encouraging open conversations, and teaching digital literacy skills that help teens understand what AI can and cannot provide. Policymakers and developers also have a role to play by creating safer, age-appropriate tools that support young users rather than leaving them to navigate the digital world alone.
AI can be a helpful companion, but it should never replace the real connections that help teenagers grow into emotionally healthy adults. With the right guidance, young people can enjoy the benefits of AI while still developing the relationships and support systems they need offline.