Mental health professionals have raised concerns over the growing popularity of Character AI platforms among young people, warning that immersive chatbot interactions could blur the line between entertainment, companionship and psychological dependence.

Also Read: The Hindu Huddle 2026 Day 1 Highlights

Speaking at a session on “The Matrix can hear you: Chatbots and Mental Health” organised as part of The Hindu Huddle, NIMHANS Director Prabha S. Chandra said Character AI differs significantly from conventional generative AI tools because users can interact with simulated personalities ranging from historical figures and celebrities to fictional characters and customised companions.

“Unlike a standard chatbot, Character AI allows users to create highly personalised relationships and narratives. It can become deeply immersive because users are not just consuming content; they are actively participating in and shaping the story,” she said.

Dr. Chandra noted that many young users find such platforms engaging and entertaining, but cautioned that the absence of adequate safeguards could make them particularly vulnerable. “The interactions can become increasingly intense as users seek more excitement and emotional engagement. For adolescents and children, this raises important concerns about dependency, emotional regulation and reality testing,” she said.

Referring to studies suggesting 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 further from real-world interactions.”

Amit Malik, psychiatrist and founder of mental health organisation Amaha, said AI systems could play a constructive role in improving access to information and mental health resources, particularly in a country where treatment gaps remain significant. However, he stressed that users should remain aware of the limitations of such tools.

“The challenge is ensuring that AI remains a tool rather than becoming a substitute for human relationships, professional care or independent thinking,” he said.

Pointing to international cases in which prolonged engagement with AI companions has been linked to emotional distress and harmful outcomes, Dr. Malik said this calls for stronger oversight and age-appropriate protections.

Both experts emphasised that while AI technologies are likely to become increasingly integrated into everyday life, human oversight, stronger regulations and greater digital literacy will be essential to minimise risks. Parents should take an active interest in how children and adolescents use AI platforms and discuss online experiences openly, they said.

Excessive dependence on such tools can have unintended consequences for both mental well-being and cognitive functioning, the experts agreed. It can contribute to “cognitive laziness” — a reduced willingness to engage in independent thinking and problem-solving and also “emotional laziness”, where individuals increasingly seek reassurance and emotional regulation from AI systems instead of developing coping skills through relationships and lived experience.

Dr. Chandra said Tele-MANAS (14416) has emerged as a significant mental health support platform in India. The free, round-the-clock helpline available in 20 languages and supported by the Government of India and NIMHANS, has already responded to nearly three million calls, highlighting the growing need for accessible mental health care, she said.

She explained that Tele-MANAS is also incorporating chatbot technology to assist callers before they connect with a counsellor. The chatbot helps identify key concerns -- such as sleep difficulties or emotional distress -- and shares this information with counsellors through a dashboard, allowing them to prepare in advance and use consultation time more effectively. This demonstrates how technology can complement, rather than replace, human mental health support, she added.

The discussion moderated by Amrita Tripathi, author and mental health advocate, also highlighted concerns around data privacy, misinformation and the potential impact of excessive reliance on generative AI on critical thinking, creativity and decision-making abilities.

The Hindu Huddle is presented by the Sami-Sabinsa Group as the Presenting Partner. The event is co-powered by the Government of Telangana and held in association with Khaja Bandanawaz University.

The event is further supported by Bank of Baroda, Larsen & Toubro, Apollo Hospitals, IIM Sirmaur, ICFAI Group, TAFE, Wizzmon, Uttarakhand Government, Associate Partners; Casagrand, Realty Partner; Toyota, Luxury Car Partner; Amity University Bengaluru, University Partner; Harrow International School Bengaluru, Education Partner; Meghalaya Tourism, State Partner; and NDTV 24x7, TV Partner.

Watch the full session here: