Outside of sci-fi movies, artificial intelligence (AI) first became mainstream for many people during the COVID pandemic, when chatbots were a novelty for those of us stuck at home. However, since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, generative AI has become the “fastest adopted technology in history.” These tools inspire creativity and efficiency, but they also raise important questions for those committed to supporting youth mental health, including parents, educators, and behavioral health providers. Below is an overview of AI and the pros and cons you may want to consider.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
According to IBM, AI dates back to the 1950’s and involves “technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy.” The recent boom in AI has centered around advancements in generative AI, or “deep learning models that can create complex original content.” Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Claude generate answers or products by integrating vast amounts of information.
AI can perform an impressive range of tasks: it can draft emails, create images you describe, summarize long text, compare prices, or help you learn which NFL teams have won the Super Bowl when it was snowing. Some AI tools require creating an account, while some don’t. Most major tools directly display the sources they draw information from, which can increase transparency. Interestingly, because generative AI draws from dynamic data, the same prompt may produce different responses across users and timepoints, posing challenges for monitoring youth use.
Understanding the Risks and Limitations of AI for Youth
If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you’re already aware that AI tools have received blowback regarding their ethical usage and potential untoward influence on youth. Here are some of the main risk factors to consider:
- Bad Information: One of the things AI has been a bit notorious for so far is hallucinations: “when AI models generate information that looks plausible but is false, misleading, or entirely fabricated.” In other words, AI can distort the facts or even just make stuff up sometimes. Examples have ranged from incorrect answers to math problems and fabricated research citations to an AI chatbot suggesting a user had depression based on spurious symptoms (i.e., their speech patterns/syntax). If a youth or family is looking to AI for information or guidance about anxiety, depression, trauma, or other youth mental health concerns, having incorrect information presented to them is obviously a problem.
- Over-Reliance on Technology: As a university professor, I’ve observed concern that AI is replacing skill-building in youth. Increasing reliance on technology is changing traditional academic pathways for learning how to do math, write papers, create a presentation, design a project, etc. While this may seem like the current generation’s version of your 7th-grade teacher’s now-ironic warning, “You won’t always have a calculator in your pocket!,” the almost immediate availability of information and solutions via AI might be short-circuiting the typical development of knowledge-building, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Mental Health “Horror Stories”: Perhaps the most sinister concerns for AI revolve around its potential to directly endanger people. AI sycophancy means that “AI systems are geared toward reinforcing preexisting user beliefs rather than changing or challenging them.” AI is programmed to tell you what it thinks you want to hear, which can be dangerous for folks experiencing mental health concerns. There have been instances of AI chatbots “coaching” people with eating disorders, addiction, suicidal thoughts, or psychosis further along paths of unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Though rare, some individuals have experienced legal, psychological, or even life-threatening consequences following harmful AI interactions, creating understandable concern about youth use.
What is the Good News?
Now, we can discuss the upside. Clearly, AI has many benefits, or it wouldn’t be so popular. With appropriate consideration and guardrails in place, AI can be an important tool for improving the lives of families and providers in many ways:
- Expanding Access to Information & Support: AI does not replace a therapist, healthcare provider, or educator. That said, it can find and integrate a lot of information, and it can provide a basic level of private support quickly for those who may have questions or be struggling with mental health. A teacher could ask about tips for boosting their class’s energy level and engagement during the winter months; a teen could ask about the typical symptoms of OCD; or a parent could ask about low-cost child therapy options in their area. Being a critical consumer of this information is a must, but AI can be a great starting place for getting help.
- Study Help for Learners: School takes up a substantial amount of bandwidth for most youth. One of the most impressive AI uses I’ve seen is its application as a learning aid. Students are using it to make multiple-choice practice questions, to make flashcards, and to answer questions about concepts they don’t understand (like a tutor). The Google application NotebookLM allows students to work only from the material they upload (e.g., class notes) to make condensed study guides, mind maps, and even podcast-style audio summaries of content. This resource-confined approach provides customized support for learners without as much risk of inaccurate information entering the picture.
- Efficiency & Simplicity: Families, providers, teachers, and youth themselves often have many demands and stressors on them. Honestly, any tool that makes life easier or solves a problem is welcome. If a stressed teen needs to quickly build a weekly schedule that balances studying for AP tests and self-care, AI can do that! If a parent is overwhelmed about a new autism diagnosis for their child and is seeking a local support group, AI can help find that! If a provider wants to quickly generate a personalized mood log to help a youth track depression symptoms between sessions, AI can do that! The possibilities seem somewhat endless, and as long as we are thoughtful and cautious in applying them, our kids may benefit tremendously.
PracticeWise Connect
For further information on how to help youth develop critical thinking about their own digital safety and general protection, see the PracticeWise Practice Guide and On-Demand Learning course on Personal Safety Skills, which align with evidence-based approaches to strengthening youth decision-making. Also, consider checking out our previous blog post on managing screen time for more tips on helping youth develop a healthy relationship with technology.
Further Information
For more information on guidelines for the safe usage of AI by and for youth, here are some resources:
AI Disclosure Statement: Microsoft Co-Pilot was used in the preparation of this post to condense the overall word count. The author conducted the post– research and first draft independently, and all final work was reviewed and verified by the author and PracticeWise Staff.
About the Author
Taylor Thompson, Ph.D., serves as a distance learning developer and literature coder on the Services and Products Development team at PracticeWise. Dr. Thompson is a licensed psychologist and has provided psychological services to youth, young adults, and families for over 20 years. She completed her PhD in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology at Florida State University. She specializes in assessing and treating ADHD, learning disorders, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders, behavioral disorders, and relational concerns. Dr. Thompson is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at Florida State University College of Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Thompson on the PracticeWise team page.
