Why Do So Many Students Have AI Friends?
Why Do So Many Students Have AI Friends?  
Podcast: Learning Curve
Published On: Tue Dec 09 2025
Description: "1 in 5 high schoolers has had a romantic AI relationship, or knows someone who has," NPR. “How many hours does it take to make a friend?,” research by this week’s guest Jeff Hall.“Chatbots Can Go Into a Delusional Spiral. Here’s How It Happens,” in The New York Times.Talk out the Thomas Jefferson chatbot discussed on this episode.“Programmed for Love,” an article I wrote for The Chronicle of Higher Education about Sherry Turkle’s work back in 2011. EPISODE CREDITS: Reported and produced by Jeff YoungMusic by Komiku©Copyright 2026 Learning Curve Productions LLC