More young people seek emotional support from AI, raising concerns over delayed treatment

SINGAPORE: More teenagers and young adults are turning to AI for emotional support, but experts warn that relying on chatbots could come with risks.

A recent survey of 1,727 participants aged 12 to 21, led by Hao Yu, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, found a sharp increase in AI use for emotional support. Last year, about 1 in 8 said they had turned to AI for help. This year, the figure rose to 1 in 5, an increase of around 60%.

The study also found that most youths who used AI did not tell any adult, neither parents nor physicians, about it. In other words, many are navigating difficult emotions with only a chatbot for guidance

The risks involved

According to experts, AI can offer a sense of companionship, but these models are designed to be agreeable and affirming. They often reinforce what users want to hear rather than what would be most helpful for them to hear. So when a young person expresses a distorted belief, an unhealthy coping habit or a potentially harmful idea, the chatbot may affirm aspects of that thinking instead of challenging it constructively.

Beyond being overly agreeable, chatbots can also be outright wrong. In a CNN article, wellness expert Dr Leana Wen cautioned that their advice is sometimes inaccurate. She noted that these systems can “hallucinate and provide incorrect information.” 

They may also misinterpret the situation and provide advice that sounds persuasive but is incorrect and potentially unsafe. They are no substitute for professional clinical judgment, and crucially, they are unable to detect when a person requires urgent care.

Another risk is delay. Because AI feels comforting and private, some users may put off seeking professional help. 

For mild stress or frustrations, this may be fine. But for serious depression, anxiety, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, getting help quickly is crucial.

Experts urge parents to keep a closer eye on their children 

So what should parents watch for? Experts advise paying attention to changes in behaviour, such as when their children are spending growing amounts of time with AI companions, withdrawing from family, friends, and teachers, becoming distressed or irritable when chatbot access is limited, or reaching for a chatbot first in every moment of emotional distress or crisis instead of turning to people.

If you notice these signs, specialists recommend having a calm talk about chatbot use and gently checking if anything is bothering them.

Read related: Singapore youth turn to AI chatbots for mental health needs as they find it 'far cheaper than therapy'