Case study 13 : AI companion: when a teen confides in a chatbot more than in their family
The context: AI companion
Hugo, 15, downloaded a “virtual companion” app to chat in the evenings. Shy, he spends more and more time on it. His mother, Nathalie, thinks he is playing online with his friends, as usual.
The problem: an emotional attachment that isolates
Within a few weeks, the relationship with the AI takes over:
Constant presence
“I’m always here for you, any time.”
Withdrawal
Hugo no longer goes out and cuts family meals short.
Replacing loved ones
“At least you understand me.”
The wake-up call
A Vigiloo notification appears: “Prolonged night-time use of an AI companion app and signs of distress detected”. Nathalie talks to her son without judging him, starting by asking what he likes about these conversations.
How Vigiloo helped
The analysis highlighted:
Abnormal usage time
More than 3 hours a night, often after midnight.
Signs of distress
“Nobody cares about me except you.”
Support plan
Limited time slots, advice on how to talk about it and referral to a professional.
The results
Hugo was able to say what he was looking for in these conversations: someone to listen and less loneliness. He now talks more easily with his mother, without fear of being judged.
The AI companion app is no longer accessible after 9 pm. The phone stays out of the bedroom at night, and Hugo sleeps regularly again.
Sessions with a psychologist were arranged to help him regain self-confidence. They also help him rebuild connections with people around him.
