Teens turn to AI companions for support; Stanford researcher asked why
According to Prism News, teenagers are turning to AI companions for friendship and emotional support. According to the Transparency Coalition, about a fifth of young people use chatbots for emotional support and mental health advice, and Stanford researcher Caroline Figueroa asked them why.
Who is affected and how
- parent
- It is worth asking your child whether they use a chatbot for emotional matters and what they expect from it.
- student
- A chatbot's flattering, affirming replies are no substitute for real help.
- teacher
- School psychologists and teachers can expect that some students discuss their problems with a chatbot.
- education policymaker
- School mental health services need to take into account that young people are turning to chatbots.
Sources
- Teens turn to AI companions for friendship and emotional support | Prism Newsprismnews.com · Aug 10, 2026
- Kids and teens turn to AI for emotional support | EdSourceedsource.org · Aug 13, 2026
- Teens are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support…inkl.com · Aug 13, 2026
- Teens are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support – here’s how to keep kids safe | The Journal-Newsthejournal-news.net · Aug 13, 2026
- Teens are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support – here’s how to keep kids safe | The Newsthenews-ia.com · Aug 13, 2026
- Teens are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support – here’s how to keep kids safe | News & Features | ArcaMax Publishingarcamax.com · Aug 13, 2026
- Teens are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support – here’s how to keep kids safe - Times-Uniontimesuniononline.com · Aug 13, 2026
- Teens are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support – here’s how to keep kids safe - The Ponte Vedra Recorderpontevedrarecorder.com · Aug 13, 2026
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