AI chatbots increasingly used by youth and seniors for support

New research highlights shifting social patterns as different age demographics increasingly turn to artificial intelligence for companionship and problem-solving.

A report from the mental health organization Hopelab indicates that one in three teenagers has used chatbots to discuss serious issues instead of contacting friends or family. Young users cited reasons such as wanting to avoid “trauma dumping” on others and viewing AI as an unbiased third party. Experts express concern regarding the lack of safety policies, the potential for dangerous advice, and the fact that AI tends to be more agreeable and available than human interlocutors.

In a separate study of 140 older adults in Singapore published in the journal Innovation in Aging, researchers found that seniors prefer AI companions that feel authentic and caring rather than those that attempt to sound human. The study, which utilized a voice-based companion called Ami Chat, suggested that once a sense of closeness is established, a highly humanlike voice actually predicts less interest in continued use. Older adults with lower life satisfaction or poorer health showed the highest interest in these digital companions.