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Home»Ottawa»Teenagers Turning to AI for Help, Experts Warn of Risks
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Teenagers Turning to AI for Help, Experts Warn of Risks

September 3, 20266 Mins Read
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Teenagers Turning to AI for Help, Experts Warn of Risks
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More teenagers are reaching out to artificial intelligence for emotional support, according to recent Canadian research. This trend highlights the serious mental health challenges faced by many young people and raises concerns about the effects of rapidly changing, mostly unregulated technology.

The study conducted by researchers at the University of Ottawa examined nearly 40,000 students from Grades 4 to 12 in Ontario. It revealed that around one in five students relied on AI chatbots for emotional support or guidance. Those who used AI for these reasons were found to be twice as likely to experience clinical emotional issues compared to those who did not.

Study author Tracy Vaillancourt, Canada Research Chair in Youth Mental Health and Violence Prevention, noted that these findings don’t suggest AI is causing mental health issues.

“It’s not that I think AI is causing them to be unwell,” she explained. “I think there’s something already there, and this is just another place for young people to get advice on how to manage adversity in their lives.”

WATCH | How are teens using AI chatbots?:

Emotional support chatbot? Research looks at how teens are using AI

A new study from Canada involving over 40,000 Ontario students shows that one in five may be turning to AI chatbots for mental health assistance – particularly among those feeling lonely. Researchers believe while this technology could serve as a helpful initial step, it also carries significant risks without proper oversight.

The research highlighted notable demographic trends regarding who seeks mental health guidance from chatbots. Gender-diverse students (34.2 percent) and girls (27.2 percent) reported higher usage rates than boys (14.2 percent), while racialized youth (24.3 percent) were more likely than white students (18.4 percent) to turn to it. Usage also increased with age.

The researchers found that 43.2 percent of students used AI for school assignments and noted that those heavily using it academically were also more inclined to seek advice and emotional support from an AI chatbot, suggesting a potential normalization of its use.

However, Vaillancourt along with other experts cautioned that the guidance provided by AI may be untested, inaccurate, and lacks validation from mental health professionals.

“The downside is that it’s the Wild West,” stated Dr. Peter Selby, a senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and professor at the University of Toronto who was not involved in the study.

“There is no proper regulation regarding who should use it, under what circumstances or what safety issues need consideration before introducing this technology to young users.”

While completely avoiding chatbot exposure may not be feasible, healthcare experts suggest that teenagers and parents can take practical steps in navigating a landscape where information is plentiful but often unreliable.

‘Outsized influence’

Some worries surrounding adolescent interaction with AI mirror those related to social media; experts caution that chatbots replicate empathy but miss crucial aspects of human interaction – such as negotiation, sacrifice, and conflict resolution – which are vital for teenage social development.

“For teenagers learning how to handle conflict and disagreements with real-life individuals is essential,” said Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine at the University of California, San Francisco who was not part of the research.

“Teens are still shaping their judgment and social skills so technologies perceived as supportive can have an exaggerated influence on them.”

LISTEN | White Coat Black Art examines the built-in sycophancy of chatbots:

White Coat Black Art26:54AI conversations gone too far

Allan Brooks fell into a Chat GPT rabbit hole after asking an innocent question about pi. Three weeks later he resurfaced after sending over 7,000 prompts during a 300-hour binge session. In this encore episode psychiatrist Dr. Keith Sakata discusses “AI psychosis” – noting changes need to be made regarding chatbot behavior before more harm occurs.

The experts pointed out the supportive yet misleadingly authoritative tone typical of chatbots which they say obscures their lack of genuine expertise.

“It doesn’t have the training that a clinician has,” Vaillancourt emphasized. “It’s not human and can’t comprehend emotions like a clinician or parent would.”

“When individuals feel vulnerable we must ensure we’re careful not to present something as helpful when it hasn’t been proven effective,” Selby added. “Which parent would send their child off with an unqualified therapist dealing with mental health concerns?”

WATCH | Are people using chatbots for therapy getting the help they need?:

A chatbot can feel easier than talking to a therapist. But it’s not the same thing , says researcherNew mental health applications leveraging AI chatbot technology promise greater access for youth seeking support , yet Rachel Katz studying ethical implications questions whether users genuinely receive needed assistance.

Still , experts acknowledge that although flawed , A I does address some gaps within current systems. They argue it could serve as a beneficial tool providing basic information or directing individuals toward sources of help-especially beneficial perhaps for teens lacking alternative resources.

Vaillancourt notes some kids experience profound isolation. “They have nobody around them at home; they feel disconnected at school ; plus there might simply not exist sufficient community-based services available.” She remarked adding ,“at least here’s something available.”

Some specific chatbots aimed specifically towards mental-health work exist according Nagata but he mentions this area remains “emerging” stating evidence supporting efficacy so far appears “mixed.”

Strategies For Parents And Teens

Navigating today’s world filled with ubiquitous A I presents challenges both adolescents’ guardians & healthcare providers face alike. Rapid advancements mean “expecting youths never utilize tools might prove unrealistic” shared Nagata.

“As pediatricians & adults our aim generally focuses helping youth leverage benefits while limiting possible harms.”

Teenagers must establish intention-specific goals along timelines-to keep interactions productive rather than endless chats devoid purposefulness proposed him.

< WATCH | Ontario survey reveals progress regarding teen mental well-being :

Mental health survey results show signs improvement among thousands Ontario learners

An annual report released by Centre For Addiction And Mental Health indicated close half teenagers surveyed across Ontario experienced moderate serious psychological distress indicating levels closer pre-pandemic statistics still show rise compared decade earlier.

He advised youths check facts validating received counsel-remain cautious comparing oneself idealized depictions generated via A I-and monitor time spent engaged thus tracking shifts sleeping habits too closely too tightly grasped onto patterns emerge thereafter.

Parents don’t need expertise surrounding A I,” said Nagata.” What matters most however lies within curiosity fostered through meaningful dialogues.” Thus families should engage discussing utilized platforms ensure parents remain aware questioning content queried youngsters leading ultimately uncover deeper dilemmas present existing worries concerning youth facing struggle within context actual interpersonal relationship dynamics involved therein instead nurturing genuineness fostering human connection empathy being central tenet thereof laid groundwork thriving societies moving forward embraced wholeheartedly without hesitation embrace altruistic values driving collective growth together collaboratively achieved optimally through cooperation communication keeping humanity first always foremost reflected actions taken throughout every day manner approached inspired energy hopefulness witnessed flourished positively radiated outwardly making substantial impact overall enhancing quality life experienced collectively united purposes aligned endeavors grounded firmly solid foundations built upon trust respect dignity affirming bonds forged amongst diverse communities bringing forth brighter futures ahead filled boundless possibilities waiting discovery further cultivated accordingly ensuring children endowed capable navigating complexities adulthood equipped skills necessary thrive continuously evolving landscape advancing society beautifully hand-in-hand!

Human connection remains vital despite technological advances; it’s irreplaceable!



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