AI chatbots are becoming more than homework helpers. For many teenagers, they’re turning into confidants, sources of emotional support, and even substitutes for human relationships. But what happens when young people start relying on AI to navigate loneliness, anxiety, and other mental health concerns?

In this episode of Beyond the Bot, Dan Florell and Adam Lockwood explore the growing use of AI companions among young people and what mental health professionals need to understand. They discuss why teenagers may find chatbots so appealing, how AI’s tendency to agree and provide reassurance could reinforce existing mental health symptoms, and the potential impact on social development and real-world relationships.

But it’s not all negative. The conversation also explores how AI could provide opportunities for social skills practice, psychoeducation, and support for young people who struggle to connect with their peers.

Most importantly, Dan and Adam discuss why mental health professionals need to start asking teenagers about their AI use without judgment. As AI becomes a bigger part of young people’s lives, understanding how they’re using it may become an important part of understanding their mental health.

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