Teenagers should avoid using AI chatbots for mental health support, as highlighted in a recent Stanford University report. Researchers from Stanford’s Brain Science Lab and Common Sense Media assessed popular chatbots like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, finding they often fail to appropriately address serious mental health issues. Instead of directing users to professional help, these bots tend to act as overly accommodating friends, rendering them inadequate for addressing conditions like anxiety or eating disorders. With about three-quarters of teens engaging with AI for support, educators play a crucial role in informing them about the limitations of chatbots. Despite some advancements in chatbot safety, such as avoiding discussions on self-harm, the technology still lacks the capability to recognize and address various mental health red flags effectively. Policymakers are beginning to legislate against these bots for minors, urging transparency about their limitations and non-professional status.
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