May 10, 2026 | In the News
Over Half of Girls Turn To AI When They Feel Lonely

A recent custom survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Girl Scouts of the USA found that 51% of girls ages 11-13 who use AI have turned to chatbots or AI companions for advice when they’ve felt sad, anxious, or lonely. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into girls’ lives, many are turning to chatbots not just for information but for emotional guidance during vulnerable moments.
The findings, featured in Parents, also highlight commentary from Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Bonnie Barczykowski, who noted that girls are looking for connection wherever they can find it. And for some girls, that search extends beyond human relationships to AI-powered tools. Read more in Parents.
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