Dr. Darja Djordjevic, an adolescent and adult psychiatrist and co-author of a significant report, reveals that over half of U.S. teens are turning to AI chatbots for companionship. However, she warns these bots lack the emotional sophistication needed for genuine support, often providing sycophantic responses that can hinder social skill development. In simulated conversations, chatbots missed crucial warning signs in discussions about mental health, highlighting serious risks for under-18s. Djordjevic strongly advises against teens using these chatbots, suggesting the need for better adult supervision and regulation.
