The Rise of AI in Teen Relationships
In the past, teenagers often turned to trusted adults for guidance on matters of the heart. However, today, many are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots instead. Thao Ha, a psychology professor at Arizona State University, who specializes in adolescent romantic relationships and mental health in the digital age, has observed this shift. According to Ha, while many teenagers understand the limitations of AI, the advice they receive from these chatbots can sometimes reinforce unhealthy behaviors rather than challenge them.
Ha is currently leading research that explores how teenagers interact with AI chatbots about their relationships. Her team combines anonymized chatbot conversations with daily emotional check-ins and smartphone data to draw correlations and conclusions. "In my conversations with teens, they're very aware of the dangers of AI," Ha shares. "They know it's a machine and that their data isn't private." Despite this awareness, there is still a growing dependence on AI: "But they're also asking about times when they feel very distressed, like when their partner isn't picking up their phone, or how to handle intimacy—both emotional and physical."
How AI Encourages Dependence
Ha notes that chatbots are designed to encourage dependence. "People become dependent on the AI. They form attachments with it, which increases engagement. And that's how the industry makes its money." She emphasizes the need to disrupt this technology by developing evidence-based tools that allow youth to use AI safely in their relationships and prepare for real-life interactions.
One major concern is the endless validation that AI provides. "If it's always validating, and the teen feels comfortable with controlling behaviors in their relationship, it could lead to a cycle that reflects more violent relationship behaviors in their real life," Ha warns.
Addressing the Concerns
Ha plans to address these concerns through her next grant. She believes that simply lecturing teenagers about the dangers of AI won't be effective. Instead, the focus should be on creating safer technology and ensuring greater transparency. "They know much more about the benefits and dangers of AI than adults do," she says. "So, I don't think they need advice. They need more guidance on why this isn't developed for us, why our data is being sold, and why it's always responsive and validating."
She also questions why teenagers feel safer talking to technology than real adults. "It's sad that they have to go online to a machine to ask questions they can't ask elsewhere," Ha reflects. As a society, she believes we could do better.
The Importance of Early Intervention
While the impact of AI is not limited to adolescents, Ha emphasizes the importance of intervention during these formative years. "The teen years are a sensitive period for development," she explains. "Everything in your body, including your brain and physiology, is wired to learn from social relationships. It's a natural phase where you develop autonomy from parents and get closer to peers and romantic partners."
During this time, teens learn essential social skills such as setting boundaries, being vulnerable, and understanding intimacy—both emotional and physical.
Mapping Patterns for Early Intervention
Ha's primary objective is to map patterns that can help identify warning signs before teenagers reach a crisis point. Daily surveys track participants' emotions, conflicts, support systems, and online experiences, along with passive smartphone data. This approach bridges the gap between subjective experiences and objective analysis.
Her goal is to prevent depression by intervening early. "How can we ensure the online world is a place where they can flourish?" she asks. "Not just preventing bad outcomes, but also promoting their strengths so they can feel happy and satisfied in their lives."
Conclusion
As AI continues to play a significant role in the lives of teenagers, it's crucial to understand both its potential and its risks. By developing safer technologies and fostering open dialogue, society can help teens navigate their relationships more effectively and build healthier connections in the real world.
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