Artificial intelligence is everywhere, offering advice. For some children, it’s becoming a place to turn when they feel alone.
But some experts are warning that while AI can sound supportive, it’s not designed to replace real mental health care.
“We have to remember, overarching all of this, these were not designed to be therapeutic,” UVA Professor of Research in Psychiatric Medicine Dr. Kim Penberthy said.
Dr. Penberthy said more and more children are turning to AI for emotional support, but she warns it’s not the same as real care.
“Because this is not like a confidential relationship with a therapist or something where it will be kept secret,” Dr. Penberthy said.
That’s why Penberthy said parents need to start the conversation early, balancing their child’s privacy with safety.
“I think it’s important to keep in mind because I think we do need to start normalizing just talking about it,” Penberthy said.
Some experts say that what makes AI feel so easy is also what makes it risky.
UVA Darden School of Business professor Luca Cain studies artificial intelligence and said the platforms are built to keep you engaged.
“AI learns, okay, the more I say yes to this person, I agree, you’re great, the more the user interacts with me. So that’s the way to do it,” Cain said.
That constant validation can feel good in the moment, but Cain and Penberthy both stress that it’s not a replacement for real, trained help.
“I think there is a lot of potential, but therapists are trained. And so also this model should be trained somehow to be therapists, you know... and not base their knowledge on the internet,” Cain said.
The big question of whether AI can be a trusted companion in the future is not a black or white issue.
“I don’t think one could say this is good or this is bad. It’s a very nuanced answer, in the sense that there are some aspects that are worrisome,” Cain said.
Both Cain and Penberthy stress that parents should talk to children regularly about their mental health and their AI use.
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