AI is becoming the friend people never argue with, never disappoint, and never switch off. New research suggests that's exactly the problem.

A 12-month study of more than 2,000 adults found people who turned to AI chatbots for emotional support became more emotionally isolated over time. With more teens now sharing serious problems with AI instead of trusted adults, what does this mean for parents?

Dr Justin Coulson explains why AI feels so comforting, why it can slowly replace real connection, and how parents can spot the warning signs before loneliness takes hold.

KEY POINTS
Why lonely people are more likely to turn to AI for emotional support.
What a year-long study found about AI chatbots and loneliness.
Why conversations with AI can start to feel easier than talking to real people.
The growing number of teens taking serious problems to AI instead of trusted adults.
The warning signs that AI is replacing healthy relationships.
Four practical ways parents can respond without fear or blame.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"A chatbot can simulate a friend, but it can't be one."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Psychological Science study on AI chatbots and loneliness (2026)
Professor Elizabeth Dunn, University of British Columbia
Common Sense Media survey on teens and AI companions

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Ask your child how they use AI before making assumptions.
Find out whether AI is helping with schoolwork or replacing real conversations.
Watch for fewer catch-ups with friends, more secrecy around AI, or distress when they can't access it.
Build regular opportunities for real connection through family meals, sport, youth groups, part-time work, and time with friends.

AI is becoming the friend people never argue with, never disappoint, and never switch off. New research suggests that's exactly the problem.
A 12-month study of more than 2,000 adults found people who turned to AI chatbots for emotional support became more emotionally isolated over time. With more teens now sharing serious problems with AI instead of trusted adults, what does this mean for parents?
Dr Justin Coulson explains why AI feels so comforting, why it can slowly replace real connection, and how parents can spot the warning signs before loneliness takes hold.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why lonely people are more likely to turn to AI for emotional support.</li>
<li aria-level="1">What a year-long study found about AI chatbots and loneliness.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why conversations with AI can start to feel easier than talking to real people.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The growing number of teens taking serious problems to AI instead of trusted adults.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The warning signs that AI is replacing healthy relationships.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Four practical ways parents can respond without fear or blame.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"A chatbot can simulate a friend, but it can't be one."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/filling-social-void-ai-leads-further-loneliness">Psychological Science study</a> on AI chatbots and loneliness (2026)</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://dunn.psych.ubc.ca/">Professor Elizabeth Dunn</a>, University of British Columbia</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/a-comprehensive-report-on-teens-tweens-and-ai">Common Sense Media survey</a> on teens and AI companions</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ask your child how they use AI before making assumptions.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Find out whether AI is helping with schoolwork or replacing real conversations.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Watch for fewer catch-ups with friends, more secrecy around AI, or distress when they can't access it.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Build regular opportunities for real connection through family meals, sport, youth groups, part-time work, and time with friends.</li>
</ul>

Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.

From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

Deciding which parenting advice to follow?&nbsp;Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia&rsquo;s most downloaded parenting podcast.
Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.
From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

AI Chatbots & Social Isolation

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/025fab8f-e615-4a36-a949-b4830094dc6d/transcript