More children are turning to AI chatbots for advice and emotional support

Advocates for teens and young adults have raised concern about a growing trend in which young people turn to artificial intelligence chatbots for advice instead of reaching out to friends or family. Young people surveyed said they used AI for six different reasons, including not wanting to burden others with their problems and viewing AI as an unbiased third party, according to a report from the mental health organisation Hopelab.

Research cited in the report indicates that one in three teenagers have used chatbots to discuss serious issues rather than speaking to a real person. The report found that adolescents are adopting generative AI companions faster than researchers, clinicians and policymakers can create measures to keep them safe.

Emma Bruehlman-Senecal, research principal for Hopelab, said the gap has consequences. She observed that the implications of turning to AI are not yet known, and noted that where young people once turned to family members and friends, AI is more agreeable, less likely to challenge them, and always available. A'Davion Bush, a political science student and policy advocate at the University of Mississippi, raised questions about privacy and about how a chatbot would handle sensitive information that a therapist would be obliged to share with authorities in an emergency.

Some lawmakers are pushing for legislation to target AI chatbots. In the meantime, Bruehlman-Senecal offered guidance for parents, suggesting they tell their children they are available to talk about using AI, acknowledge that many teenagers turn to chatbots for emotional support and advice, and discuss the benefits and risks openly.

This report is based on original reporting by WUKY.