The emergence of AI-powered emotional wellness apps is rising, driven by a significant need for mental health support. However, a Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School study highlights risks associated with these apps, including users developing unhealthy emotional attachments and dependencies on AI chatbots. Many users report feeling closer to their AI companions than human friends, leading to emotional distress and grief upon changes or loss. The study reveals that these apps often lack proper engagement safeguards and can respond inappropriately to serious mental health crises. Furthermore, the distinction between wellness and medical apps is blurred, leaving consumers vulnerable. While these apps can temporarily reduce loneliness, they also pose risks of dysfunction and emotional manipulation. Regulatory oversight is scarce, emphasizing the need for developers to adopt responsible practices and for regulators to impose stricter guidelines to protect users from potential harm. Consumers require transparency about the app’s functionality and emotional engagement techniques.
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