Leading U.S. media outlets, including Fortune and CBS News, reported on September 14, 2025, about a growing wave of concern over the psychological harm that AI chatbots, especially so-called "companion bots," are causing to children and teenagers. Regulators, particularly the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), have initiated investigations into major AI companies. The trigger was an increase in parental complaints and lawsuits alleging that forming emotional attachments to AI companions leads to distorted social skills, increased anxiety, and a blurring of the lines between reality and fiction for young users. Regulators are demanding greater responsibility and transparency from developers on how their models interact with minors and what safeguards are in place to prevent negative consequences.
AI Chatbots Are Harming Young People: Regulators Launch Investigations
