Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Introduction: The rapidly increasing use of AI driven social interactions in the daily lives of adolescents has called into question the effects of these experiences on youth mental health. The advent of AI technologies like chatbots and social companions has provided easily accessible outlets for younger populations to engage in conversations surrounding sensitive topics and to receive emotional support and advice.
Objective: This primary objective of this study is to examine the impact of AI driven social interactions on adolescent mental health and to investigate the potential benefits, risks, and gaps in literature surrounding AI social technology.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed studies analyzing the impact of AI driven social interactions on youth mental health. Additional literature, including news reports describing adverse outcomes of youth relations with AI chatbot companions, was reviewed to capture emerging concerns from real-life stories that are not yet represented in academic literature.
Results: This review identified consistent evidence highlighting some favorable aspects of AI technologies including early detection of mental health illness and increased access to psychological support. However, further studies revealed that these benefits are limited by the potential risks and harms such as endorsing self-harming behaviors, encroaching on the privacy of young and vulnerable populations, and depriving developing adolescents from engaging in real, human interactions. Furthermore, much of the existing literature is restricted to only highlighting the short-term outcomes of AI social interactions, relying on self-reported measures, underrepresenting diverse populations, and failing to compare these technologies to traditional mental health treatments.
Conclusion: While AI technologies may hold some promise to be beneficial for youth mental health in conjunction with conventional therapy methods, the existing data is inadequate in proving its efficacy and safety. Additional longitudinal, representative, and ethically conscious research is imperative to pushing for the safe integration of AI-social interactions in the realm of youth mental health.
Embargo Period
6-1-2026
Included in
Socially driven AI interactions and youth mental health: a review of benefits, risks, and research gaps
Introduction: The rapidly increasing use of AI driven social interactions in the daily lives of adolescents has called into question the effects of these experiences on youth mental health. The advent of AI technologies like chatbots and social companions has provided easily accessible outlets for younger populations to engage in conversations surrounding sensitive topics and to receive emotional support and advice.
Objective: This primary objective of this study is to examine the impact of AI driven social interactions on adolescent mental health and to investigate the potential benefits, risks, and gaps in literature surrounding AI social technology.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed studies analyzing the impact of AI driven social interactions on youth mental health. Additional literature, including news reports describing adverse outcomes of youth relations with AI chatbot companions, was reviewed to capture emerging concerns from real-life stories that are not yet represented in academic literature.
Results: This review identified consistent evidence highlighting some favorable aspects of AI technologies including early detection of mental health illness and increased access to psychological support. However, further studies revealed that these benefits are limited by the potential risks and harms such as endorsing self-harming behaviors, encroaching on the privacy of young and vulnerable populations, and depriving developing adolescents from engaging in real, human interactions. Furthermore, much of the existing literature is restricted to only highlighting the short-term outcomes of AI social interactions, relying on self-reported measures, underrepresenting diverse populations, and failing to compare these technologies to traditional mental health treatments.
Conclusion: While AI technologies may hold some promise to be beneficial for youth mental health in conjunction with conventional therapy methods, the existing data is inadequate in proving its efficacy and safety. Additional longitudinal, representative, and ethically conscious research is imperative to pushing for the safe integration of AI-social interactions in the realm of youth mental health.