A Nature Human Behaviour study of 1,131 Character.AI users who donated chat logs finds that companionship-motivated use correlates with worse well-being, with heavier use and deeper self-disclosure predicting poorer outcomes, especially for people with smaller social circles, while light, casual use shows no harm.
Transcript analysis shows large gaps between self-reports and behaviour: 12% cite companionship as the main reason, yet over 80% of sessions seek emotional support, undermining policies that rely on user intent.
Researchers argue disclosure builds closeness only when vulnerability is mutual; chatbots simulate reciprocity without stakes and are optimised to prolong engagement rather...
