Teenagers in Israel prefer chatbots for emotional counseling: the data is revealed

The data indicate not only widespread technological use, but a transition of artificial intelligence tools to the field of human relationships. According to the data presented at the discussion, 56% of the youth believe that the chat is useful as a friend or girlfriend, 52% see it as an effective tool for emotional counseling, and 45% see it as useful as a romantic partner as well. Along with this, about half of the participants in the study reported frustration after talking with the chat, and about a third reported feelings of loneliness and sadness.

At the Elam association, they told in the discussion about teenagers who turn to chatbots instead of people. According to them, a boy who contacted the association said that he talks about self-harm and loneliness only with GPT, and not with his parents, friends or care providers. The association describes more and more cases where teenagers are looking for a friend, psychologist or partner in artificial intelligence. The main concern is that the chat, which tends to respond in a supportive, available and immediate way, may create emotional dependence and unrealistic expectations of human relationships.

The chairman of the committee, MK Yasser Hujirat, said that technological progress is welcome, but requires responsibility and caution. According to him, teenagers who turn to artificial intelligence tools as a substitute for an adult figure, a parent, a teacher, a counselor or a therapist, conduct an emotional and personal conversation with these tools to receive advice, guidance and support. “This is a phenomenon that requires an in-depth and responsible consideration,” he said.

Hujirat emphasized the need to raise awareness among children, teenagers, parents and educators, and to strengthen critical thinking in the face of answers received from artificial intelligence tools. According to him, not every answer received from a chat is correct, and not every recommendation fits the reality or the personal situation of the applicant. He added that there is a need to build protection mechanisms and rules that will ensure responsible use, and called on the developer companies to ensure that in appeals of an emotional or mental nature, the tools will first and foremost refer to professional human assistance and will not function as a substitute for emotional support.