1 in 5 Teens Are Turning to AI Instead of People When They're Struggling

A study from the Rand Corporation says one in five American teens and young adults is turning to AI chatbots when they are sad, anxious, or stressed, and I can’t claim I’m surprised, not even a little. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry or just worry about the future of our nation probably all of the above but for now I’ll share this one concern because I got many: What happened to our friends and families? You know, the people we thought we could turn to when we were down. I understand the loneliness that comes with being an adult, but I was hoping our kids and young adults would be spared that. What about you? What do you think about all this? I think that’s something that’s worth discussing at jamesabrown.net, don’t you think? The Daily Note with James A. Brown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Recent editions:A system with no exitsNobody Budgets for a long emergencyThe Graduate’s dilemmaYogurt‘No Elon’ Sticker at Costco and What It Says About How We Buy Things NowMichael B. Jordan and a sea of phonesOne Canceled Dinner at a TimeWhat Happens When America’s Small-Business Owners Retire?Americans Are Buying Half the Movie Tickets They Used ToAre We Surrounded by Bad People?The Politicians Never PayThe best conversations are two-way streets. I want to hear from you.* Email: james@thedailynote.net* Call or Text: (585) 371-8865* Leave a Voice Memo: thedailynote.net/contactP.S. I tell stories on radio stations and online five days a week. You can find them on Substack, Apple, Spotify, Reddit, YouTube, Instagram, and wherever podcasts are available.Source: Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults Use AI Chatbots for Mental Health Advice This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamesbrowntv.substack.com/subscribe