American Middle Schools Grapple With Hidden Chatbot Use as AI Becomes Teen Mental Health Outlet

A troubling trend is emerging in American middle schools: adolescents are turning to artificial intelligence chatbots as confidants instead of peers, often in secret. A new investigation by The Wall Street Journal highlights the case of Madelyn, a sixth-grader who grew moody and withdrawn, spending hours confiding in a chatbot rather than developing friendships with classmates.