As we move into the fifth industrial revolution and examine the implications of AI and ChatGPT in the worlds of our teens, we should look more closely at how the technology that has permitted us to stay connected via the various social media platforms has also permitted more people to feel alienated from others. Initially feeling intimidated by what others were saying about ChatGPT, I knew I needed to test this new tool. I must admit that I was impressed by what I saw based on the few questions I posed. Will this tool go away? Absolutely not. What those of us who work with youth must figure out is how do we responsibly and ethically help our young people navigate the possibilities that AI can provide. After experiencing ChatGPT, I was not surprised to learn that in contrast to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Netflix that took months to achieve 1 million users, ChatGPT took only 5 days!

Though this article will discuss the implications of social media on teens, many of the same consequences are being experienced by adults, with people feeling lonelier, more anxious, more depressed, and social disconnected. Today, we have the ability to converse with unknown people throughout the word and enter into uncharted spaces such as the metaverse; yet, we find it difficult to engage othersaround us in our schools, neighborhoods, and communities. Instead of arguing against new technology, I propose that those charged with educating and developing young people help them discern the ethical and responsible means of utilizing such tools. And, where and when possible, we can do a better job of limiting access to social media until young people are ready to protect themselves, limit screen time for those who have access, and for us to understand more clearly the content and algorithms reaching our youth.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), one-third of high school girls in the U.S. considered suicide in 2021. Though it is easy to place the blame on COVID lockdown restrictions and other societal reasons such as abuse and poverty, teen depression, and its associated concomitant concerns such as self-harm, suicide attempts, and deaths by suicide increase from 2010-2019. In the past teens used to spend time with friends, but now they spend their time on social media. Over 90% of young people are on social media and are exposed to risks such as body image issues, cyberbullying, and sexual exploitation. Though it was once thought that boys often acted on suicidal ideations, it seems that our girls have been especially affected by the impact fewer social interactions have had on their mental health.

Social interactions are the glue that keeps individuals and communities healthy. With fewer social interactions, all people suffer, especially youth who not only are dependent on adults for their needs but who also may not have developed other coping strategies to mitigate loneliness. With the focus on work and with fewer hours to spend with family and friends, the glue that keeps us connected is unraveling. A call to action is required by parents and educators to pay closer attention to signs of distress in our young people. If you feel that your young person needs someone to talk to, please contact me for a confidential assessment.