An alarming study by the group Common Sense Media found that more teens are using artificial intelligence or AI for friendship. The study found that 31% of teens said that their conversations with AI companions were “as satisfying or more satisfying than talking with real friends.” A third of the teens discuss serious issues with AI instead of real people. Half of teens said they use AI companions regularly and more than 70% of teens have used them. Some of the advice involves the mundane, like back to school shopping, ideas for birthday parties, and menu choices at restaurants. One thing that’s missed is engaging with other people. While technology has been helpful it cannot replace friendship, and when we fail to have friends we become less human.