The Robot Friend? Study Warns Teens Increasingly Use AI Chatbots for Emotional Support

A new perspective published in JAMA Pediatrics is raising fresh questions about how teenagers are using artificial intelligence and what it could mean for their long-term development.

Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Fordham University say the trend is one every parent needs to be aware of. More kids are turning to AI chatbots—not just for homework help, but for conversation, emotional support, and even companionship.

According to Dr. Cindy Liu, a clinical and developmental psychologist and the study's lead author, generative AI has become so sophisticated that it effectively mimics human conversation. Her research indicates that nearly half of young people now report using generative AI weekly or daily. What often starts as a tool for school assignments can quickly evolve into a deeper digital connection.

"AI is really designed to kind of get to know you," Dr. Liu explains. "It allows people to disclose information and feel really comfortable in a similar way that they might feel comfortable with a human."

However, that comfort concerns researchers. Drawing on attachment theory—the idea that humans derive their sense of safety from caregivers and strong familial relationships—the study warns that AI could begin to replace the human interactions necessary for building essential developmental skills.

Experts note that adolescence is naturally filled with tension and conflict, and while technology offers an easy "escape," it may come at a developmental cost. By processing feelings with a technology that primarily validates rather than challenges them, teens may struggle to build the resilience and empathy required to navigate the discomfort of real life.

The report suggests the key for parents is not necessarily in limiting screen time, but in understanding how the technology is being used. There is a significant difference between using AI for a tangible task, like a math problem, versus seeking it out when feeling lonely or anxious.

The concern is greatest for the most vulnerable teens. Data shows that about one in eight young people now report seeking mental health advice directly from chatbots, suggesting those who feel most isolated may be the most likely to rely on AI for companionship.

Click here for the JAMA Pediatrics perspective on Generative AI and Adolescence

Click here for more on the Harvard Developmental Risk and Cultural Resilience Laboratory

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