Character AI poses unique risks for young users, mental health experts warn

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Session moderator Amrita Tripathi engaging with the audience at Day 1 of The Hindu Huddle 2026, in Bengaluru on June 5.

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.

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,