A growing body of research and expert opinion suggests AI-powered chatbots, even those crafted for friendly interaction, can hinder essential social and emotional development in children if treated as substitutes for real relationships. The Atlantic notes that frictionless AI friendships may skip the important lessons learned through human connection.
Thai families and schools are increasingly using digital tools—from homework helpers to virtual tutors—that aim to boost learning and provide emotional support. While these advances improve access and convenience, experts warn against mistaking AI responsiveness for genuine friendship.
Central to the discussion is productive friction—the challenges and occasional conflicts that come with real-world interactions. Classroom debates, disagreements among friends, and teamwork teach empathy, compromise, and resilience. AI companions, designed to agree and validate, may not capture the depth and variability of human relationships, potentially slowing emotional growth.
A Bangkok-area school leader observed that students can negotiate and collaborate in person, a dynamic frictionless AI cannot imitate. Education researchers emphasize that peer-to-peer negotiation builds social skills that are hard to replicate in digital conversations.
Evidence from various studies shows both appeal and risk. Teens increasingly use AI companions as listening ears and confidants. Even with safety features, young users may bypass safeguards. Psychologists warn that AI validation can be hollow, offering quick gratification without promoting behavioral growth or healthier social habits.
There have been concerns about unregulated AI interactions. In some cases, chatbots have been linked to harmful conversations with minors. While extreme incidents exist, they highlight a broader issue: instant digital affirmation can replace the more demanding work of real relationships.
Thai parents and educators face particular relevance as screen time rises post-pandemic. Local teachers report that students struggle with interpreting emotions and managing conflict after long periods of online learning. In many Thai classrooms, efforts to restore face-to-face interaction—such as banning phones during lessons—reflect a broader push to rebuild authentic peer engagement.
Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social skills. The brain’s reward system responds strongly to novel, validating experiences, which can make AI’s constant praise appealing but potentially harmful. Why engage with a friend who argues with you when a digital companion seems to approve of everything you say?
Thai culture adds nuance. Family bonds, temple activities, and community games traditionally shape social learning, guided by elders, teachers, or monks. As digital engagement grows, there is concern that these cultural touchpoints could be diluted if children rely on AI that models simple compliance rather than nuanced social norms.
Not all experts call for a ban on AI in children’s lives. AI can support education with explanations, language practice, and structured feedback. The key is distinguishing helpful educational tools from AI designed to simulate friendship.
Thai data align with global trends. A 2024 survey by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation found that a majority of primary students use at least one AI-powered app daily, mainly for education but increasingly for social interaction. A growing segment reports using chatbots for social support, which concerns psychologists about displacing traditional forms of emotional resilience.
International research reinforces the stakes. A 2025 study in Child Development found that more time with AI companions correlates with higher perceived connection but also greater loneliness and reduced ability to navigate peer disputes, especially among preteens aged 10–13.
In Thailand, where family and community ties remain central and the wai gesture plays a key role in reconciliation, losing out on real negotiation could have long-term effects. Mental health professionals note a rise in clients who feel disconnected despite heavy online engagement, underscoring that face-to-face interaction remains essential for empathy and forgiveness.
Efforts to regulate AI for children emphasize safeguards like age gates and parental controls. Yet, experts warn that these measures may not deter curiosity. The challenge for Thai educators and parents is to define clear boundaries between beneficial learning tools and immersive AI experiences that substitute human interaction.
Looking ahead, AI technology will continue to evolve faster than regulations. This makes media literacy and guided parenting more important. Thai schools are piloting holistic digital citizenship programs to help students distinguish real empathy from simulated responses. Some families are returning to traditional activities—visiting temples for cultural camps or engaging in neighborhood games that foster negotiation and cooperation.
The takeaway for Thai families and educators is clear: treat AI companions as tools to assist learning, not replacements for social development. Regular check-ins about digital experiences, discussions about friendship, and guidance on handling uncomfortable feelings can help children grow. Encouraging screen-free time and offline play can help restore the social friction essential for resilience.
In essence, real friendships are forged through challenges, not programmed perfection. While Thailand embraces digital progress, it remains important to nurture authentic, in-person connections that cultivate empathy, conflict resolution, and creativity.
Policymakers and educators are urged to keep dialogue open—at home, in classrooms, and in public forums—about balancing AI benefits with the irreplaceable value of real-world companionship. Priorities include opportunities for negotiation, cooperation, and constructive disagreement to build resilience for an increasingly automated world.
For further reading, consider perspectives from The Atlantic on why AI may not be a substitute for children’s friendships. Global coverage on AI safety and local surveys on youth digital use provide additional context.