# Teens and AI: Emotional Support or Risk? | Charleston News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/charleston-west-virginia-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7606770/teens-and-ai-emotional-support-or-risk-charleston-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/charleston-west-virginia-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7606770/teens-and-ai-emotional-support-or-risk-charleston-news.md
Podcast: [Charleston West Virginia News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/charleston-west-virginia-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7606770)
Published: 2026-07-25T00:02:01+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/48385e3418bd2732
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/a6dc297c-f4ab-4dda-a176-9d7bfa374c64.mp3
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Duration seconds: 123

## Resource

Teenagers are diving headfirst into AI — with 80% using it, many for school, but a shocking 30% turning to it for emotional support and even companionship. Middle schoolers and urban teens are especially likely to use AI when feeling lonely or stressed, and researchers are spotting a troubling link: higher rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among those who rely on AI for personal advice. While AI isn’t proven to cause these issues, experts warn it shouldn’t replace real human connection — especially during critical developmental years. With chatbots often overly agreeable and prone to spreading misinformation, concerns are mounting. Policymakers are now pushing for age-appropriate safety standards, privacy protections, and age verification — as our kids, digital natives, absorb the long-term effects of AI on their mental health and development. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/48385e3418bd2732

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