AI Mental Health Risks for Teens | Portland Maine News

One in five teens is turning to AI for mental health support—raising alarms among experts worried about emotional dependency, social withdrawal, and missed opportunities for real human connection. Psychiatrist Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring warns that while AI can offer comfort, it often fails to challenge unhealthy behaviors like isolation or depression. He urges parents to gently ask teens about their screen habits—and if needed, help them connect with human therapists. The real solution? Get outside, talk to people, and find purpose through real-world activities. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/13fe3e1151c262d2