Description

AI chatbots can feel warm, human and tailored, but this brings real risks when the advice is wrong or incomplete, especially for vulnerable young people with eating or body-image concerns. In this Mind the Kids episode “Adolescence and Appearance. AI eat your words”, Dr. Florence Sheen talks to hosts Dr. Jane Gilmour and Prof Umar Toseeb. They highlight three big issues: we rarely know what sources the chatbot is drawing on; there is no built‑in safeguarding link back to parents, schools or services; and its list‑style “here’s what to do” responses may particularly appeal to perfectionistic or rigid thinkers, potentially fuelling disordered behaviours rather than challenging them. At the same time, young people are using AI alongside social media and official sites in quite a savvy way – they might go to the NHS for physical symptoms, but to chatbots for lived experience and emotional validation – so opinion and evidence are constantly blended. The Florence, Jane, and Umar argue this makes digital literacy crucial: talk openly with young people about what they see, encourage them to check information against other sources, and model responsible use rather than banning AI outright. They also call for independent, transparent evaluation of any AI tools aimed at youth mental health, and for developers to work with researchers, clinicians and people with lived experience so that future systems are both safer and better able to support real-world wellbeing.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand that whilst AI can be a helpful tool for coding and analysis, students’ use of AI in essays raises concerns about originality. 

2. Improve your understanding of the importance of critical thinking in using AI.

3. Examine why young people may prefer AI for sensitive topics over adults.

4. Consider why digital literacy is essential for navigating AI and online information. 

5. Explore how open discussions about AI use can foster better understanding.

6. Assess the evolving role of AI in academia and the need to embrace it responsibly, and how collaboration in research can enhance the quality and ethics of studies.

Paper Link

https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.70047