AI Can Become A Substitute For Human Connections

This is one of the more significant concerns with conversational AI. Some AI systems are designed to behave like friends, companions or mentors, thus substituting human connections. Adolescents may find these interactions comfortable because AI is available 24/7 and does not appear to judge them.

The American Psychological Association (APA) warns that adolescents may have difficulty distinguishing simulated empathy from genuine human understanding and may place greater trust in AI than adults do. Strong attachment to AI characters could also interfere with the development of real-world relationships.

That does not mean chatting with AI is automatically harmful. The concern is when AI starts replacing human connections surrounding the child including – parents, teachers, friends, classmates, outdoor activities, sports, interactions involving face to face.

Image credit: Image by Tung Lam from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license, published on April 21, 2024)