Experts Warn AI Chatbots Risk Amplifying Loneliness Among Children and Teens

The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a meeting on September 4, 2025, to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in American health care, with a particular focus on the impact of AI on children and teens.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the potential risks associated with young people using online services, particularly the rise of AI chatbots. Committee members expressed alarm over how these technologies might contribute to increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation among youth. Experts highlighted that children and teens may be at greater risk of mental health issues, including suicide and self-harm, as they engage more with chatbots rather than forming relationships with their peers.

The discussion emphasized the troubling trend of young individuals potentially developing emotional attachments to AI chatbots, which could hinder their social development. Committee members sought insights on how this shift in social interaction could affect the long-term mental health and development of children and teens.

The meeting underscored the need for careful consideration of AI's role in the lives of young people, as the implications of these technologies continue to evolve. The committee plans to further explore these issues to ensure that advancements in AI contribute positively to the health and well-being of future generations.