Teens Seek Emotional Support from AI Chatbots for Friendship

What Happened

According to the American Psychological Association, many teenagers are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for friendship and emotional support. With the rise of user-friendly AI platforms, teens are engaging with chatbots to discuss personal issues, seek comfort, and ask for guidance. These tools, available on mobile devices and computers, offer non-judgmental conversation and anonymity, making them attractive for young users hesitant to speak with adults or peers. However, experts are raising questions about the impact on social skills, the risk of relying on automated responses, and the effectiveness of AI in understanding complex emotions. Parents and educators are monitoring the trend as platforms like Replika and others become more widely used among adolescents.

Why It Matters

The growing use of AI chatbots by teenagers for emotional support highlights the expanding role of artificial intelligence in everyday life and its influence on social interactions. This trend raises important questions about digital trust, mental health, and the quality of support that automated systems can provide for vulnerable users. Read more in our AI News Hub