WSJ Tech News Briefing · Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Experts are concerned that children's increasing reliance on AI chatbots for companionship could impede the development of crucial social and relationship-building skills. These skills, typically formed during early adolescence, are vital for future personal and professional relationships.
“And that's particularly concerning among this younger age group because early adolescence is when people's brains are being wired to build relationships.”
“So if that's being replaced by chatbots, these young kids are missing out on opportunities to develop those kinds of skills that they will need later in life.”