Responsible Use of AI Companion Platforms: Our Editorial Standards
We cover AI companion platforms that include adult content. We hold ourselves to specific standards in how we cover this technology and what we advise readers. This page lays out those standards.
Core principle: These platforms are for adults 18 and older. Full stop.
Age Verification Is a Legal Requirement
Every platform we review requires mandatory age verification at registration. This is a legal obligation under 18 U.S.C. 2257 for platforms hosting adult AI-generated content — not a voluntary measure.
We only cover platforms that enforce this requirement. We don't recommend platforms that allow access to adult content without age verification.
For parents: These platforms are accessible from standard devices and browsers. Parental controls, content filtering software, and device management can limit access. We encourage parents to use these tools. The platforms enforce age gates at registration — household device access is a parental responsibility.
Content Standards We Require of Platforms
Our review methodology evaluates platforms partly on content governance:
Non-negotiable requirements:
- Absolute prohibition on any depiction of minors — zero tolerance
- Functional content moderation (not just stated policy)
- User reporting mechanisms for violations
- Actual enforcement including account suspension
AI-generated content is synthetic — these images, voices, and videos don't depict real people. That's relevant context for maintaining healthy perspective on what these platforms actually produce.
Privacy: What to Check Before Registering
Privacy considerations for AI companion platforms are higher than typical services because of the intimate nature of content:
Check the data retention policy. GirlfriendGPT, for example, retains data for 6 years after account deletion — including conversation logs. Know what you're agreeing to before creating an account.
Use platform-specific passwords. Don't reuse passwords from banking or email accounts.
Minimize information shared. Use only what's required for registration; you don't need to share real personal details in AI conversations unless you're comfortable with indefinite storage.
Enable two-factor authentication where available.
Our privacy practices for this site: ➜ privacy policy
Healthy Engagement with AI Companions
AI companions are entertainment tools with genuine creative value. They're not substitutes for human relationships or professional support services.
Signs worth paying attention to:
- Consistently preferring AI interaction over real-world social opportunities
- Financial stress from subscription costs you can't comfortably afford
- Using AI conversation as a primary coping mechanism for emotional challenges
- Distress when platform access is unavailable
If you notice these patterns, that's useful information about your relationship with the technology. It doesn't require shame — it warrants honest evaluation.
Mental health resources:
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 — free, confidential, 24 hours/day
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
How We Approach Coverage Responsibly
This site earns affiliate commissions. We disclose this on every relevant page.
Our editorial commitment: we publish genuine negative findings, safety concerns, and honest cons about every platform we cover — including platforms we earn commissions from. We've published critical content about GirlfriendGPT's data retention policy, pricing structure, and image quality limitations despite having an affiliate relationship.
Our methodology: ➜ about us | Site terms: ➜ terms of service
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All platforms we cover require 18+ age verification under legal requirements. These platforms are not designed for or appropriate for anyone under 18.
No. They're entertainment tools — sophisticated and genuinely engaging ones, but tools. Human connection, mutual vulnerability, real-world growth through conflict and compromise — these aren't things AI companions can replicate. If AI companion use is replacing rather than supplementing real-world connection, that's worth examining honestly.
Review the data retention policy before registering. Use unique passwords. Enable 2FA where available. Be conscious that intimate conversation logs may be stored for extended periods on some platforms.
Use the in-app reporting tool to flag the content. For potential child exploitation content, report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at cybertipline.org.
No. AI-generated images are synthetic outputs from machine learning models — they don't depict real people and are not photographs. Understanding this distinction matters for maintaining a realistic perspective on what AI companion platforms produce.
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7). Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741.