# What is a companion chatbot?

> A chatbot designed to act as a friend, partner, or character and to build an ongoing relationship with the user.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/christian-ai-glossary/companion-chatbot
By Andrew Kittridge · November 10, 2026

Also called: AI companion, character AI

## Why it matters for Christians

These are built to feel like relationships. They are not safe for children and are a poor substitute for friendship at any age.

## What to do

Keep companion apps away from children, and check what a teen has installed. If you are lonely, tell one person this week, and look for a church small group or a friend to call. A bot that is always available is not the same as someone who will come over.

## Read more

- [Kids and AI](https://www.lumin.faith/kids-and-ai)
- [Is AI romance a sin?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-ai-romance-a-sin)
- [Is using AI a sin?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-using-ai-a-sin)
- [Can AI replace a pastor?](https://www.lumin.faith/can-ai-replace-a-pastor)
- [Who made Lumin?](https://www.lumin.faith/who-made-lumin)

## Related words

- [Chatbot](https://www.lumin.faith/christian-ai-glossary/chatbot.md): Software you talk to in a conversation. Modern chatbots are usually powered by a large language model.
- [Persona](https://www.lumin.faith/christian-ai-glossary/persona.md): A character an AI is instructed to play, such as a historical figure, a counselor, or a friend.
- [Anthropomorphism](https://www.lumin.faith/christian-ai-glossary/anthropomorphism.md): Treating a machine as if it were a person: saying it “thinks,” “feels,” or “cares.”
- [Sycophancy](https://www.lumin.faith/christian-ai-glossary/sycophancy.md): An AI’s tendency to agree with the user and tell them what they want to hear.

Every word: [Christian AI glossary](https://www.lumin.faith/christian-ai-glossary.md)