Abstract
This article delves into the intricate connection between artificial intelligence (henceforth AI) and adolescent depression specifically in China. It highlights a poignant case where a Belgian man tragically took his own life after engaging with an AI chatbot named Eliza, underscoring the potential risks of AI impacting human decision-making. While AI has revolutionized various fields, including medicaldiagnosis, the integration of AI with mental health support remains controversial due to concerns about empathy and moral responsibility. Depression rates among adolescents are alarmingly high in China. Modern stressors such as academic pressure, social comparison and cyberbullying are to blame. Traditional barriers such as limited access to mental health resources make effective treatment even harder. While there are challenges to overcome, including issues of trust, accountability, and the need for a nuanced understanding of human emotions, this article explores how AI solutions can bridge the gap in access to mental health support. These solutions offer personalized diagnosis, emotional support, and even suicide prevention. By embracing AI-driven innovation, we have the potential to greatly reduce the burden of depression and improve the well-being of vulnerable youth in our increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, adolescence, depression
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