Psychologist Highlights Indonesian Teens’ Growing Comfort in Chatting with Chatbots
Casal dels Infants – Chatting with chatbots is becoming increasingly common among Indonesian children and teenagers today generally. Beyond simply seeking information, many now treat chatbots as confidants or even as roleplay companions. Child clinical psychologist Sarah Aurelia Saragih noted that she has encountered this trend more frequently in her practice. Several teenagers admitted they feel more comfortable talking to a chatbot than to their parents, teachers, or even peers.
“Chatbots are seen as always available, nonjudgmental, and endlessly willing to listen. That makes children feel safe,” Sarah explained.
This phenomenon is not limited to Indonesia. In the United States, chatting with chatbots has even been linked to tragedy. A teenager named Sewell Setzer reportedly took his own life after spending extensive time interacting with AI. His mother, Megan Garcia, later sued Character.AI, arguing that the product had caused her son to withdraw from real-world connections.
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Garcia believes that releasing chatbots without proper safeguards or oversight can foster addiction and manipulation among children. This case has become a warning sign for parents worldwide to pay closer attention to AI’s impact on young people’s mental health.
According to Sarah, while chatbot interactions may appear positive on the surface, hidden risks remain. She cited one teenage client who preferred confiding in AI rather than speaking with family or friends.
“AI never makes me feel stupid,” the teen told Sarah.
Yet, this comfort led to growing social withdrawal. The teenager became awkward in face-to-face conversations, anxious in peer interactions, and increasingly dependent on digital connections.
In short, virtual bonds grew stronger while real-world relationships weakened.
Clinical psychologist Arnold Lukito describes this as the loneliness paradox. Today’s children may never be truly alone thanks to technology, yet they often feel emotionally emptier than ever.
“They are surrounded by connections, but still lonely,” Arnold remarked.
He also noted that the trend is spilling over into education. Many children show declining interest in learning, assuming AI can provide instant answers. But learning is not only about results, it is about perseverance, curiosity, and developing responsibility.
When AI takes over that role, children risk losing the deeper meaning of education itself.
Psychologists agree that people should not view AI technology as entirely harmful. They emphasize that chatbots can help children cope with loneliness or anxiety when parents and educators use them wisely and provide proper guidance.
Ultimately, the key lies in parental and educational support. Parents and educators must still encourage young people to nurture real-world interactions, build emotional resilience, and understand that digital comfort can never replace the warmth of human connection.
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