Leveraging AI’s Immense Capabilities While Safeguarding the Mental Health of Our Youth

AEI Blog Post

Undeniably, Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds the promise of providing enormous benefits to society and specific sectors, including healthcare, workforce development, and education. One benefit is using AI to do some of the tedious administrative tasks which would free up time that could be used for more meaningful in-person connections and relationships. For example, freeing teachers up from administrative paperwork could give them more time to spend with students.  

We should do whatever we can to maximize this potential benefit. But one lesson from past eras of technological innovations is the importance of considering some of the unintended consequences of new technologies on our social connections. And with AI, there are some potential risks with young people that deserve further consideration and debate in order to develop strategies now to minimize any potential harm in the future.

A pressing concern on the horizon is the potential exacerbation of loneliness and isolation among young individuals due to the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI). The arrival of AI coincides with a sobering declaration by the US Surgeon General around the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection.

Simultaneously, the nation’s youth are in the midst of a mental health crisis of their own. Recent data from a CDC survey paints a disconcerting picture—a staggering 44% of adolescents grapple with persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

It is within this societal context that the latest AI technologies are being introduced. This naturally raises important questions about the role AI could play in amplifying these troubling trends.

First, the increased reliance on AI-powered technologies for communication and socialization might deter real-life, face-to-face human interactions. We’ve seen similar trends in the past with other technologies, including cell phones and video games. Over time, for some individuals, these virtual interactions can become substitutes for in-person connections which lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and disconnection. This effect could be particularly significant in young people, who are in the stage of life where developing social skills, relationships, and friendships are vital.

Second, AI-powered personalization in social networks can result in echo chambers where users are constantly exposed to similar content and perspectives, reinforcing their current beliefs and interests. This could limit exposure to diverse views, thereby decreasing opportunities for connection and mutual understanding. In the not-so-distant future, young people will be able to turn to an AI agent that is completely aligned with their needs and preferences, which may lead to young people struggling with how to engage with those that disagree with them. Young people caught in these echo chambers will feel validated in their AI experiences but might feel isolated, misunderstood, or distant from people outside of that experience, including in school settings.

Third, we may be underestimating the companionship some people will find with these AI chatbots. One study found an AI chatbot’s responses to medical questions were not just rated more accurate than doctors’ but also had higher levels of empathy. An Only Fans star is creating an AI chatbot that allows users to chat with a representation of her and have a virtual companion. There is a danger that these systems will create a false sense of connection. And as As Dan Cox noted,

Gen Z may be uniquely predisposed to seek out relationships with AI-generated avatars. Not only are they more comfortable using technology in this way, compared to previous generations, young adults are also participating less often in traditional social activities like having regular family dinners, attending religious services, or playing sports.

The illusion of companionship could lead to an emotional void, contributing to a deeper sense of loneliness in young people. 

Finally, AI might also contribute to increasing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. AI technologies might reinforce negative self-perception and insecurities in young people. For example, the constant comparison on social media platforms, powered by AI algorithms that highlight “ideal” lifestyles, can negatively impact self-esteem and create feelings of isolation. Speaking at the National Governors Association Winter Meeting on youth mental health, Reina Chiang reflected on how social media feeds can exaggerate a sense that you’re not attractive enough, you’re not intelligent enough, or that you’re not special enough. 

To be clear, AI will bring important benefits to many parts of society and the way we live, work, and learn. However, as we pursue those benefits, it is crucial to stay vigilant about the possible drawbacks, particularly those pertaining to the mental health of younger generations. We need to ensure these systems promote genuine human connection, not just synthetic or shallow relationships. Simultaneously, the ongoing discourse around the psychological and emotional impacts of AI must continue, informed by interdisciplinary perspectives, to ensure a future where technology serves as a tool for positive growth rather than a catalyst for isolation.