When machines begin to sound like friends, the line between code and companionship starts to blur. When Chatbots Feel Like Friends This Safer Internet Day, Vodafone has unveiled a new campaign examining the ‘ingredients’ of AI chatbots, as research highlights how human-like design and limited safeguards are shaping the way children interact with them. The findings are striking. AI chatbots are now embedded in daily life, with 81% of 11–16-year-olds using them and 42% engaging every day. Nearly a third (31%) of users say a chatbot feels like a friend. Many describe them as trustworthy and easy to talk to (65%), while 39% believe bots can understand emotions like people do. Children are increasingly turning to chatbots for personal matters. Around 37% admit they confide in them, 23% seek advice on friendships, and 16% discuss mental health concerns. One in three (33%) has shared something they wouldn’t tell parents, teachers or friends. Alarmingly, 86% say they have acted on advice given by a bot. Experts warn that these pseudo-relationships are not substitutes for human interaction. Because chatbots cannot truly empathise or challenge users, children risk isolation, exposure to biased guidance and difficulty forming real-world connections. More than half (56%) feel… Read MoreBusiness Archives – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
