Responsible AI Companion Use: Our Guidelines for Safe and Healthy Engagement
This site reviews AI companion platforms including adult-content services. We take seriously our responsibility to promote safe, informed, and healthy engagement with this technology. These guidelines reflect our editorial standards for the platforms we cover and the advice we give readers.
All platforms reviewed on this site are for adults aged 18 and older. No exceptions.
Age Restrictions Are Non-Negotiable
Every platform we review enforces an 18+ age gate at account registration. This is not optional or advisory — it's a legal requirement under 18 U.S.C. 2257 for platforms hosting explicit AI-generated content.
Parents should be aware that these platforms exist and take appropriate steps to restrict access on shared or family devices. Browser-level parental controls and device management settings can prevent access to adult AI platforms. The responsibility for monitoring minors' internet access rests with parents and guardians — these platforms are not designed for, and are not appropriate for, anyone under 18.
We only review platforms that enforce age verification at sign-up. Any platform that does not gate adult content behind age verification is not something we would recommend.
Content Policies We Expect from Platforms
We hold reviewed platforms to specific content standards:
- No depiction of minors in any context — absolute requirement, no exceptions
- Active content moderation — platforms must have enforcement mechanisms, not just stated policies
- User reporting tools — mechanisms for flagging content that violates community guidelines
- Responsive support — platforms should act on reported violations in a reasonable timeframe
AI-generated content — including text, images, and voice — is synthetic and does not depict real people. Understanding this distinction matters for healthy engagement with the technology.
Protecting Your Data and Privacy
Before registering on any AI companion platform, review its privacy policy with specific attention to:
- What data is collected — conversation logs, IP addresses, usage patterns
- How long data is retained — some platforms retain data for years after account closure (GirlfriendGPT retains data for 6 years post-deletion, as one example)
- Whether data is sold to third parties — check explicitly, not just implied policy
- What security measures are in place — encryption standards and audit history
Practical privacy steps:
- Use a unique password for AI companion platforms — don't reuse passwords from other accounts
- Enable two-factor authentication where available
- Provide only the minimum information required for account creation
- Consider the implications of 6-year data retention before sharing intimate details in AI conversations
For our own data practices, see our ➜ privacy policy.
Healthy Usage Guidelines
AI companion technology is an entertainment and creative tool. It has value for creative expression, companionship, and roleplay. It is not a substitute for human relationships, mental health support, or professional services.
Signs of unhealthy usage patterns:
- Choosing AI interaction over real-world social engagement consistently
- Emotional distress when access to the platform is unavailable
- Using AI companionship to avoid addressing mental health concerns
- Significant financial strain from subscription costs or coin purchases
If you recognize these patterns, it's worth taking a break and evaluating whether AI companion use is serving you well.
Balance is the goal: Many people enjoy AI companion platforms as part of a balanced digital life without issues. The concern is when it becomes a crutch that replaces rather than supplements real human connection.
Mental health resources:
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Our Editorial Responsibility
We earn affiliate commissions from platforms we review. That business relationship does not compromise our editorial standards. Our reviews include genuine cons, privacy concerns, safety ratings, and negative findings — including about the platforms we link to.
We review every platform we cover, publish both strengths and weaknesses, and update our coverage when platforms change their policies or features.
For full details on our methodology, see our ➜ about page. For the terms governing this site's content, see our ➜ terms of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All platforms reviewed on this site require users to be 18 or older and enforce age verification at registration. These platforms are not appropriate for minors, contain adult content, and operate under legal frameworks that mandate 18+ access controls.
No. AI companions are entertainment and creative tools. They can provide novelty, creative outlet, and a form of low-stakes social interaction, but they cannot provide the reciprocal, genuinely human connection that real relationships offer. If AI companionship is filling a gap that human relationships should fill, that's worth addressing through real-world social engagement or professional support.
Use a unique password, enable two-factor authentication where available, review the platform's data retention policy before registering, and provide only the minimum information necessary. Be aware that intimate conversations may be stored for extended periods — some platforms retain data for years after account deletion.
Use the platform's reporting tools to flag violations of community guidelines. All platforms we review provide in-platform reporting mechanisms. Violations involving potential child safety concerns should also be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at cybertipline.org.
No. AI-generated images are synthetic outputs created by machine learning models. They do not depict real individuals, are not photographs, and are not derived from any specific person's likeness (unless the user explicitly uploads a reference image in platforms that support that feature).
Contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 — free, confidential, available 24/7. For mental health crisis support, text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.