Why Are Students Opening Up to AI Instead of People?

A survey by The Rithm Project, a nonprofit focused on human connection in the age of AI, found that about one in three young people aged 13 to 24 use AI for emotional or relational support. The study, conducted last fall with nearly 2,400 participants, revealed that students often turn to AI during acute moments of distress, such as rejection or conflict, after initially using it for academic purposes. The term 'AI companion' carried stigma, so researchers instead described interactions as conversations with 'AI characters,' which participants found more acceptable. The survey identified two key use cases: emotional or relational support without personification (Cluster 3) and interactions with AI characters (Cluster 4). Follow-up interviews with 27 participants confirmed that students entered these AI interactions through a 'gateway moment'—a specific crisis like not being asked to an event or a fight with a friend. These findings suggest that students view AI as a non-judgmental, accessible resource for immediate emotional relief. Higher education leaders may underestimate the prevalence of this behavior, as public discourse often frames AI use in extreme terms, either as hype or fear. The Rithm Project’s research highlights a more nuanced reality: students are using AI for practical emotional support, not as replacements for human relationships. This trend forces institutions to reconsider how they address mental health needs in an era where digital tools are increasingly integrated into daily life. The study also challenges assumptions about AI’s role in young people’s lives, showing that its use for emotional support is more common than previously recognized. While not a majority, the one-third figure signals a growing reliance on AI for immediate comfort, particularly when traditional support systems feel inaccessible. Colleges and universities now face the task of understanding and addressing this shift in student behavior.