As loneliness grows, young people increasingly confide in AI chatbots like ChatGPT for comfort, validation, and advice. Experts warn this emotional dependence risks mental health, urging users to stay aware, balanced, and connected to real human relationships.

Research challenges the belief that social media causes teen mental health issues, highlighting stronger influences like stress, trauma, and sleep. Experts urge balanced tech use, digital literacy, and parental guidance over fear-driven screen time restrictions.