3:44 When Kids Turn to Chatbots for Emotional Support
About this episode
Susan discusses the implications of children seeking emotional support from AI chatbots instead of human connections.
In this episode, Susan explores how children are increasingly turning to AI chatbots not just for information, but for emotional reassurance — a shift that can quietly replace human connection. Drawing on insights from psychologist Dr. Zak Stein, she explains why real relationships, with their pauses, limits, and repair, are essential for healthy development, and how endlessly affirming bots can interfere with emotional growth. At its core, this conversation is about attachment — helping parents remain their child's safest place in a rapidly changing digital world.
People in this episode
Host: Susan Stiffelman
Topics covered
- AI chatbots
- emotional support
- attachment
- parenting
- child development
- digital world
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