With young people spending so much time online, they’re becoming heavily influenced by the digital world, which can expose them to several risks. Many lonely teens struggle to separate their online lives from the real world, leading to worrying cases of emotional and mental distress.
Experts warn that teens facing challenges online often end up in dangerous situations. They encourage parents to be more attentive and understand why their children might seek comfort and friendship in the digital world.
A child psychiatrist based in Dubai recently shared a troubling case of a young patient who became so involved in an online game that she began acting like her game character, even feeling the same emotional struggles. “She was so addicted to the game that she started experiencing the character’s trauma and behaved like them,” said Dr. C. B. Binu, Chief Psychiatrist and Medical Director at Al Fasht Medical Centre. “It has been several years, but she still hasn’t fully recovered.”
Dr. Binu observed that many lonely and vulnerable young people turn to the digital world or “AI friends” to find comfort and a sense of belonging. This insight follows a recent lawsuit in Florida, where a mother claims that an AI chatbot company contributed to her son’s tragic passing. Her 14-year-old son had reportedly become so emotionally dependent on the “disturbingly realistic” chatbot that he couldn’t imagine life without it.
Reflecting on such cases, Dr. Binu recalls the “Blue Whale Challenge” that went viral a few years ago. This challenge, which started as a seemingly innocent game, ultimately led some vulnerable participants toward self-harm and, in some cases, suicide. “The main issue with that challenge was that it targeted already fragile individuals,” he noted. “Similarly, online predators or AI-driven characters can take advantage of vulnerable kids, sometimes pushing them to dangerous points.”
The internet can offer an “easy escape” for teenagers struggling with real-life challenges, says Antony Bainbridge, Clinical Director at Resicare Alliance, a residential facility for young people dealing with mental health issues and learning disabilities.
“Kids often turn to online platforms to connect with others, hoping for validation and friendship, especially when they feel alone,” Bainbridge said. “Their loneliness can stem from various situations—school bullying, family challenges like divorce, busy or preoccupied parents, or even disruptions from the pandemic. These changes to their routines and social lives may lead them to rely more on online connections. Each of these factors can contribute to thoughts of self-harm among teens.”
In addition, Teen Coach and Neuroscience Trainer Madhumita Adhya observes that many teens cannot discuss personal issues with family or friends and are more likely to open up to strangers online. “Young people often open up more to AI characters or strangers online than to people they know,” she explains. “Their prefrontal cortex is still developing, so any praise or validation works wonders for them, even if it comes from AI. They can’t always see how these interactions may be manipulating them.” She added that certain parts of the teenage brain, like the ventral striatum, make them especially sensitive to praise, validation, and admiration from others, which may lead to strong attachments to digital “friends.”
Dr. Binu emphasizes the importance of parents being vigilant about their children’s online activities. He points out that many parents, despite their intelligence and success, underestimate the risks their children face on the internet. “I often encounter parents who are high achievers but don’t know how to ensure their children’s safety online,” he said. “Once a parent gives their child access to the internet, monitoring their activities closely is critical. This is non-negotiable.”
Bainbridge adds that many parents remain unaware of their kids’ online dangers. “Without adequate supervision, children can easily access forums, chat rooms, or social media sites where strangers may approach them with offers of friendship or sympathy,” he explained. This lack of oversight can give online predators a chance to manipulate young people, encouraging them to share personal details and even engage in dangerous behavior. Online platforms without strong safeguards can increase the risks teens face, especially if they are already dealing with feelings of isolation or lack of support.
He shared the story of a young girl who believed she was talking to a boy her age online. She began sending him personal photos, but it turned out that the “boy” was part of a group involved in illegal activities. Her photos were posted on illegal websites, and her family only found out when the police intervened. Dr. Binu emphasized that without the authorities’ vigilance, the family might never have known.
The message to parents is clear: Understanding and staying aware of children’s online activities can help protect them from potential harm and ensure their safety as they navigate both online and real-world challenges.
