AI characters pose unique risks to young users, mental health experts warn
Show host Amrita Tripathi engages the audience on Day 1 of The Hindu Huddle 2026 in Bengaluru on June 5.
Mental health professionals have expressed concern over the growing popularity of Character AI platforms among young people, warning that the immersive interactions of chatbots could blur the lines between entertainment, society and psychological addiction.
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NIMHANS Director Prabha S. Chandra said during a talk on ‘The Matrix Hears You: Chatbots and Mental Health’ organized at The Hindu Huddle that Character AI is significantly different from conventional generative AI tools as users can interact with simulated personalities ranging from historical figures and celebrities to fictional characters and customized companions.
“Unlike a standard chatbot, Character AI allows users to create highly personalized relationships and stories. It can become deeply immersive as users not only consume content, but actively participate and shape the story,” she said.
Dr. Chandra noted that many young users find such platforms engaging and fun, but warned that the absence of adequate safeguards could make them particularly vulnerable. “Interactions may become increasingly intense as users seek more excitement and emotional engagement. This raises important concerns for adolescents and children about addiction, emotional regulation and reality testing,” she said.
In Pictures: The Hindu Huddle 2026 | 1st day
Day 1 of The Hindu Huddle in Bengaluru, inaugurated by Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar (R). Dr. can be seen at the event. Narayan Lakshman, editor of The Hindu’s Opinion and curator of The Huddle (L).
Hindu Huddle 2026 opens in Bengaluru on June 5, 2026.
The Hindu Huddle has brought together the most influential experts under one roof at a time of shifting global priorities and polarities on June 5, 2026.
The sixth edition of The Hindu Group’s Thought Conclave was held in Bengaluru on 5th and 6th June.
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At the session “The Matrix Hears You: Chatbots and Mental Health”, Dr. Amit Malik, Psychiatrist and Founder, AMAHA and Dr. Prabha S Chandra, Professor of Psychiatry and Director, NIMHANS, with author Amrita Tripathi.
Actors Huma Qureshi and Kritika Kamra in conversation with Rohit Khilnani, journalist and talk show host.
A mentalist named Naman Anand spoke at the conclave.
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Citing studies indicating that individuals experiencing loneliness, social isolation or social anxiety are among the most frequent users of such platforms, Dr. Chandra said, “People who are lonely often use these tools for comfort, and that can sometimes be helpful. However, those who are already socially avoidant may end up withdrawing from real interactions.”
Amit Malik, a psychiatrist and founder of the mental health organization Amaha, said AI systems could play a constructive role in improving access to mental health information and resources, especially in a country where significant disparities in treatment persist. However, he emphasized that users should be aware of the limitations of these tools.
“The challenge is to ensure that AI remains a tool rather than a substitute for human relationships, professional care or independent thinking,” he said.
Dr. Malik pointed to international cases in which the long-term involvement of AI companions has been associated with emotional distress and harmful consequences, and said this calls for stronger oversight and age-appropriate protection.
Both experts emphasized that while AI technologies are likely to be increasingly integrated into everyday life, human oversight, stricter regulations and greater digital literacy will be necessary to minimize the risks. They say parents should take an active interest in how children and teens use AI platforms and openly discuss online experiences.
Overreliance on such tools can have unintended consequences for both mental well-being and cognitive function, experts agreed. It can contribute to “cognitive laziness”—a reduced willingness to engage in independent thinking and problem solving—as well as “emotional laziness,” where individuals increasingly seek reassurance and emotional regulation from AI systems instead of developing coping skills through relationships and lived experiences.
Dr. Chandra said that Tele-MANAS (14416) has emerged as a significant platform for mental health promotion in India. The free 24-hour helpline available in 20 languages and supported by the Government of India and NIMHANS has already answered nearly three million calls, highlighting the growing need for affordable mental health care, she said.
She explained that Tele-MANAS also includes chatbot technology to help callers before they connect with a counselor. The chatbot helps identify key issues – such as sleep difficulties or emotional distress – and shares this information with advisors via a dashboard, allowing them to prepare in advance and use consultation time more efficiently. This shows how technology can complement rather than replace human mental health support, she added.
Moderated by Amrita Tripathi, author and mental health advocate, the discussion also highlighted concerns about privacy, misinformation and the potential impact of over-reliance on generative AI on critical thinking, creativity and decision-making.
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Published – 05 Jun 2026 22:05 IST