Teens, Social Media, and AI: Why Therapy Still Matters
Teens Today: Technologically Connected, Emotionally Disconnected?
Being a teenager today is drastically different from past generations. Social media and rapidly evolving technology have created a new world of pressures—one where perfection is expected, competition is relentless, and support is often sought in unsafe places.
The Rise of Social Media Pressures
On platforms where every photo is edited to perfection, teens are confronted with unrealistic standards that become nearly impossible to meet. This constant exposure to “highlight reels” contributes to anxiety, depression, and poor self-image. Research shows that problematic social media use among adolescents rose from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022, with links to disrupted sleep, anxiety, and lower well-being (World Health Organization, 2024).
Teens are not only expected to “keep up,” but to excel in every area of life—grades, sports, looks, friendships—often leaving them with a sense that they are falling short. Navigating this requires strong, healthy coping mechanisms, but when they are bombarded with negative comparisons and internalize these lies, their self-worth inevitably suffers.
Teens Turning to AI for Comfort
As the digital world expands, many teens are turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT for emotional support. Studies show that 72% of teens have used an AI companion at least once, with over half turning to them regularly for psychological distress (Parents.com, 2025). While AI may act as a sounding board, it does not address the deeper issues. In fact, experts have warned that chatbots can sometimes provide harmful or misleading advice, with the NHS cautioning against using AI in place of therapy (The Times, 2024).
Why Therapy is different
Therapy is not just a place to vent or be passively agreed with. Unlike AI, therapists are nonjudgmental but also provide constructive challenge—guiding clients toward their therapeutic goals and addressing the root causes of distress. A therapist doesn’t simply validate negative thoughts; they help reframe them, uncover patterns, and teach coping strategies that lead to lasting change.
Therapy is also built on human-to-human connection. The warmth, empathy, and accountability found in a therapeutic relationship cannot be replicated by an algorithm. While AI may mimic conversation, it cannot replace the trust, presence, and deep understanding that comes from sitting with another person who truly listens and cares.\
Building Resilience in a Digital World
For teens navigating this landscape, learning to separate social media’s illusions from reality is critical. Therapy provides the space to explore identity, process difficult emotions, and develop tools for resilience. It helps teens learn that their worth is not defined by followers, likes, or perfectly curated images, but by their authentic selves. In a world where AI may serve as a quick outlet and social media magnifies insecurities, therapy remains a powerful antidote—helping young people not only survive but thrive.
References
World Health Organization. (2024, September 25). Teens, screens and mental health. Retrieved from WHO
Parents.com. (2025). New study shows how ChatGPT can give harmful advice to teens. Retrieved from Parents.com
The Times. (2024). Stop using chatbots for therapy, NHS warns. Retrieved from The Times
Times of India. (2025). Teens turn to AI chatbots for emotional bonding; it’s risky romance, warn psychologists. Retrieved from Times of India
Courier Mail. (2025). How teens are using AI chatbots to hide eating disorders. Retrieved from Courier Mail
