Artificial Intelligence chatbots have become a part of everyday life, but what happens when kids start turning to AI instead of a professional for mental health
A Pennsylvania psychiatrist explains why this could be risky, and parents are also sharing their concerns.
“They’re talking to a bot; they’re not talking to a real person, so for them to express their feelings to a bot and not a parent is kind of concerning,” said Harrisburg mother Kiara Irizarry.
Experts said one in five teens are now turning to AI chatbots for therapy instead of talking to a parent, friend, or therapist. But why?
“It’s easy for them. It’s easy access. They’re so used to this. A lot of these kids and the problems they have feel self-conscious about it,” said UPMC Psychiatrist Dr. Belal Elamir.
Elamir said many young people are looking for connection…but they may be finding it in the wrong place.
“They’re looking for some type of validation and connection, but sadly they mistake this for genuine human connection,” said Elamir.
And that’s where experts say the risk begins because AI chatbots are designed to be helpful and agreeable. Researchers call that “sycophancy” when AI leans toward validating a user rather than challenging their thinking.
“As you can imagine, that can be a slippery slope with kids who might be having some trouble,” he said.
As for Irizarry, she said that conversation should start at home.
“You’re supposed to come to me and ask me these questions, you know? Like you’re supposed to tell me how you feel,” she said.
And she’s not the only parent who feels that way.
“It doesn’t have a human element; ChatGPT doesn’t have a personality. It can’t decide what’s best for you,” said Harrisburg father Brian Verchick.
So, what happens if your child starts relying on AI instead of real people?
“They can become more and more entrenched in these relationships, and they may, you know, go down even worse, deeper, darker pathways as opposed to actually getting genuine treatment for what they need to be treated for,” said Elamir.
Sadly, there’s already been a case that highlights those concerns. Last year, the parents of a 16-year-old California boy filed a lawsuit after they said their son developed an unhealthy relationship with an AI chatbot before his death.
“This kid did not get the treatment that they needed because they thought they were, you know, getting the treatment that they thought they needed through AI. It’s heartbreaking,” said Elamir.
So, what are the red flags? Elamir tells CBS21, parents should watch for changes in their child’s behavior.
If something feels different, don’t assume it’s just a phase. Start the conversation and reach out to your pediatrician or a mental health professional, but he said AI can still be a helpful tool.
“For a kid, they can probably maybe ask preliminary questions. They might get some supportive answers. But I probably would not want them to be doing this all the time,” he said.
And for Irizarry, the bottom line is simple. If your child is going to use AI, set limits.
“Like if you feel like your child is going to excel from using ChatGPT, hey, go ahead. But I would enforce rules,” she said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, you can visit the UPMC Behavioral Health page.
