As more teens turn to AI for emotional support, experts say it's no substitute for human connection

A University of Ottawa survey of nearly 40,000 Ontario students in grades 4-12 found roughly one in five used AI chatbots for emotional support or advice. Researcher Kamilla Bonnesen found those who relied on AI for emotional support were more likely to show clinical-level emotional issues, loneliness, and lower sense of mattering, though the study notes this correlation does not prove causation.