From autocorrect to social media feeds, artificial intelligence is part of everyday life. However, experts say teens are particularly vulnerable to one troubling trend, becoming addicted to AI.
More young people are turning to conversational AI for support, advice, and companionship. In fact, seven out of ten teens aged 13 to 18 use at least one type of generative AI. Yet, fewer than four in ten parents are aware of it.
Many teens use AI tools for schoolwork or language practice, while others spend hours chatting with AI companions modeled after celebrities or fictional characters. Platforms like Replika, Character.AI, and Nomi encourage constant interaction, which Titania Jordan, Chief Parent Officer of Bark Technologies, says can lead to unhealthy habits.
“One way we’ve seen a huge increase in AI use is with AI companions, which are chatbots based on famous people or fictional characters,” Jordan explains in a recent interview with Parents.com. “Kids can form strong emotional ties to these computer-generated text programs, as the chatbots always respond quickly and provide what seems like endless support.”
Concerns about the risks have already made the news. Just last month, the parents of a 16-year-old boy sued OpenAI, claiming their son relied on ChatGPT for mental health support, which they believe contributed to his suicide.
Experts hesitate to call this a medical diagnosis but many compare it to other types of problematic digital media use.
“The term ‘AI addiction’ isn’t an official diagnosis,” says Yann Poncin, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Yale School of Medicine. “Instead, experts often use ‘problematic use’ to describe unhealthy screen habits that resemble addiction-like symptoms.”
These “problematic usage” patterns can look a lot like excessive social media use:
• Trouble controlling time spent on the platform
• Withdrawal symptoms when offline
• Neglecting schoolwork or responsibilities
“AI design, much like social media design, focuses on keeping users engaged—whether through a flashy notification or an AI companion asking a kid new questions,” Jordan adds. “This element of interactivity can become addictive, especially when it makes kids feel wanted, loved, or popular.”
Adolescence is a time of seeking independence and exploring identity, making AI chatbots especially attractive.
“Adolescence is characterized by a growing desire for autonomy, privacy, and identity exploration,” says Erin Walsh, author of It’s “Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence” and co-founder of Spark & Stitch Institute. “Given this context, it’s no surprise that adolescents turn to AI to process their experiences in what feels like a private, affirming, and non-judgmental environment.”
Instead of guiding kids toward healthier outlets, AI platforms are designed to maximize engagement. Features that make it hard for children to log off include:
- Never-ending interactions
- Highly personalized exchanges
- Excessive validation
Jordan highlights the danger for teens already dealing with loneliness, “Kids are attracted to this kind of content because it provides a place to express big feelings, especially loneliness. Having a consistently supportive companion can appeal to teens who feel misunderstood or excluded.”
Problematic AI use shows up not in the number of hours online but in how it affects daily life. Experts state that parents should be aware of the AI addiction warning signs that can include, but are not limited to:
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Losing interest in hobbies
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Declining school performance Increased anxiety when unable to access the app
- Mood swings or other changes in behavior
Just what can parents do to help their children if they feel that they are exhibiting signs of AI addiction? Well, Walsh suggests that, “Understanding why young people are turning to AI can help us offer support, build skills, and explore healthier alternatives.”
Other strategies that experts recommend include:
- Set boundaries
- Model balance
- Work with schools
- Seek professional help
Walsh reminds parents that patience is essential, “Panic, lectures, and simply setting usage limits can undermine the very communication we need to help young people deal with the challenges of AI.”
