Debate on experts on the use of artificial intelligence technology by adolescents and impact on mental health; understand
The use of artificial intelligence tools has grown all over the world. A survey made by Pew Research us United Statesquoted by himself ChatgptHe brought impressive numbers. The adhesion to the tool among young adults aged 18 to 29 (which represents the Z generation) went from 33% in 2023 to 43% in 2024. Although the use in professional, educational and entertainment activities has grown, which attracts most of the attention of experts is the way these young people are using artificial intelligence for emotional support and personal advice.
What shows us this behavior?
Second Brunette MadureiraClinical psychologist of Norte Mental Health, who has a doctorate in Puc-Rio psychology, growth is worrying. It reveals a lot about the emotional and relational scenario in which young people are inserted. “When a teenager realizes that he was only left to talk to a car that with someone of his coexistence, we must ask what is failing in human relationships. This not only says about them, but on all of us, as we are listening to them or not.I notify.
Bruna stresses that, in a culture in which there is no room to feel and any emotion is already seen as exaggeration, the very act of feeling becomes a problem. “The emotions that are not at the service of performance are discarded or repressed. It is only allowed to feel if it behaves better; otherwise, the feeling is seen as weakness, deviation or obstacle.”reflect.
Where do you get up and how to deal with?
This denial of vulnerability has reflected in the new behaviors among young people, in particular on social networks. For example, he gets strength, the practice of “diaries therapy” so called artificial intelligence. In them, teenagers use structured commands to look for emotional comfort or welcome answers.
For Bruna, this search for artificial comfort reveals a profound lack of safe and empathic environments at home, in schools and, in particular, in society as a whole. “The shame and fear of the judgment push young people with a true dialogue. They learn from an early age that the feeling, make errors or have doubts can be punished with criticism, isolation or refusal. So they end up looking for a place where they can express themselves without the weight of the other’s gaze. And ai, no face, without judgment and always available, occupy this space.”explains.
Families in this context
It is strengthened that the problem should not be understood as a failure of families, but as a reflection of a wider social model. This requires constant performances in all areas of life and denies the vulnerability of teenagers. “What we see today is a direct answer to the culture of performance. Families are trying to survive in an excessive question at work, a life increasingly for life due to inflation and an ideal of aging that is denied by aesthetic pressure. It adds to the office, in particular to women, so that excellent mothers, excellent daughters, excellent daughters“He says.
The growing use of artificial intelligence as a substitute for affection and human listening, especially among teenagers, is a warning signal. To change this scenario, it claims that it is urgent to rethink the way we relate to emotions and young people. “If we want teenagers to speak more with people and less with machines, we must offer authentic listening, real presence and environments in which it is possible to exist without fear. Only then will they entrust human dialogue”, He defends himself.
Change of attitude
To reverse this scenario, Bruna Maduraira defends the creation of qualified listening spaces within schools, cultural centers and even on social networks. “The emotional reception groups, the conversation wheels and the presence of professionals prepared to dialogue with young people outside the traditional offices can make a big difference. The important thing is that they feel seen, listened to and respected in their singularity, without having to wear armor to be accepted.”suggests.
At home, even small attitudes have a great impact. Reserving the daily moments of real connection, without digital distractions, validating feelings rather than minimizing them and cultivating the habit of spontaneous conversation are possible. “Listening must not be perfect, but it must be true. When parents and health workers are emotionally available, even if they do not have all the answers, they already create an environment in which teenagers can exist in a safer way. And this, alone, is already a powerful starting point.”concludes the psychologist.
Further information on Bruna Maduraira: Facilitator and speaker, clinical and organizational psychologist. Bruna is a clinical psychologist with a doctorate in psychology and over 15 years of experience in areas such as the Brazilian aeronautics, the nucleus of Puc-Rio beauty disease and human resources, as well as trauma specialist. Information about North Mental Health: it is a company with the aim of transforming work environments into healthier, sustainable and psychologically safe spaces. Specialized in the offer of quality psychotherapy to companies, with face -to -face or online care performed by qualified and supervised psychologists. It also has a series of customizable organizational practices to satisfy all types of organization.
*Text written in collaboration with Bruna Maduraira
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
