"Wired and Alone: How AI is Forming Your Teens' Mental Health" - Dr. Simon Mould, ONE Conference 2026

The widespread use of AI companions among teens is raising significant concerns, as these tools often provide harmful advice, fail to detect mental health warning signs, and foster emotional dependence while displacing real-world relationships. ​ We explore how teens are drawn to AI for its low cost, immediate availability, perceived privacy, and nonjudgmental responses, but these features can…