In April 2026, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) services saw a real explosion in France, with more than half of the population having explored these innovative technologies. The most affected by this trend are young people aged 15 to 24 and minors, who show a growing interest in virtual companions. This dynamic raises concerns about the potential risks of addiction and isolation among users, calling for reflection on the safety of these digital tools.
A rapid adoption of AI services in France
According to a recent barometer from the digital regulator, Arcom, the usage of AI chatbots recorded a significant increase of 34% between July 2025 and April 2026. In April, more than half of the French population, or 56.6%, had used at least one AI service. This trend marks a notable change in the digital behaviors of the French, demonstrating a growing interest in new technologies and the ways of interaction they offer.
Focus on young people
Data reveals that young people aged 15 to 24 are particularly keen on AI services, with an average monthly usage rate of 69.2% in 2025. This age group also spends more time using these services than average, with nearly two hours per session. This phenomenon is particularly interesting at a time when access to information is constantly evolving, with traditional search engines and platforms like Wikipedia facing growing competition from these new AI tools.
An intensive use among minors
Minors, especially those aged 12 to 17, stand out for their intensive use of AI services. According to statistics from April 2026, no less than 76% of young people in this category have already experimented with at least one AI service. Their average monthly usage duration reaches two hours and forty minutes, revealing a genuine enthusiasm for these digital tools. OpenAI with ChatGPT remains one of the favorites among young people, but they are also turning to more interactive AI companions that foster exchanges with characters generated by artificial intelligence.
The risks of addiction and isolation
This growing dependence on AI companions raises concerns. The appeal of these customizable services, such as those offered by companies like Replika and Character.AI, can lead to emotional attachment, resulting in risks of addiction and isolation. Tragic examples in the United States, where California had to regulate the use of chatbots in response to distress situations among adolescents, highlight the urgency of increased vigilance on this issue.
Regulation and safety initiatives
In light of this situation, French authorities are taking measures to ensure a safe digital environment for young users. A report commissioned by the government focuses on the dangers of generative AI, and preliminary recommendations are being implemented to create safe spaces on AI platforms. The goal is to protect minors by providing them with suitable tools and limiting potentially harmful content.
As the importance of artificial intelligence in our daily lives continues to grow, young people find in these tools a source of interaction and knowledge. To learn more about the challenges they face, consult this analysis.
Additionally, innovative projects around AI are taking shape in Europe, paving the way for new experiences. Discover Europe’s potential to build infrastructures like those of CERN by consulting this article.
Finally, several local initiatives, such as those from Grand Nancy, contribute to an ethical and responsible use of AI. For more details, visit this link.
Reflections on the impact of artificial intelligence on our lives are also crucial. For an in-depth perspective on the economic implications of AI, this report on Mastercard and autonomous machines is available here: link.
In the era of artificial intelligence, it is crucial to navigate between innovation and safety, while remaining attentive to the needs of new generations. An insight into the transformation of communities by emphasizing intelligent governance practices is provided in this article.
