When AI Becomes a Friend: What It Means For Our Kids

A new Canadian study has uncovered a trend that's worth paying attention to here in Australia: a significant number of young people are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for emotional support. The study, which looked at nearly 40,000 young people, found that one in five had used AI for mental health advice. This highlights the growing presence of AI in our daily lives, and particularly its impact on younger generations grappling with mental health challenges.

While AI chatbots can offer a sense of anonymity and immediate responses, acting as a kind of digital sounding board, experts are quick to point out their limitations. These AI programs, like ChatGPT or similar tools, are essentially sophisticated computer programs designed to generate human-like text. They don't possess genuine empathy, lived experience, or the nuanced understanding that comes from human connection. They can provide information or structured exercises, but they can't replicate the warmth, insight, and genuine care of a trained human counsellor, a trusted friend, or a family member.

The convenience of AI might seem appealing, especially for young people who might find it difficult to open up to others or access traditional mental health services. However, a major concern is the lack of regulation around these AI tools. Unlike human counsellors, AI chatbots aren't bound by ethical guidelines, privacy laws, or professional standards in the same way. This raises important questions about data security, the accuracy of the advice given, and the potential for these interactions to lead young users down unhelpful or even harmful paths.

For Australian families and communities, this trend underscores the ongoing need to talk openly about mental health and ensure young people know where to find human support. While AI can certainly have its uses as a tool for information or initial coping strategies, it’s not a replacement for real human connection and professional help. It’s a timely reminder for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about young Australians to ensure they have access to genuine, empathetic support networks and understand the difference between a helpful tool and a trusted confidante.

Understanding how our kids interact with AI is becoming just as important as understanding their social circles. As these technologies evolve, so too must our conversations about their role in mental wellbeing, always prioritising the irreplaceable value of human relationships and professional care.