Hong Kong teens use AI chatbots for comfortCEFR A2
18 Oct 2025
Adapted from Hong Kong Free Press, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Russel Bailo, Unsplash
On October 12, 2025 a report looked at teenagers in Hong Kong who use AI chatbots for emotional support. Jessica, 13, talks with the Chinese chatbot Xingye for three to four hours a day and said she feels a bit dependent. Sarah, now 16, used Character.AI from about age 13 for many hours but later stopped because school was busy and replies became repetitive.
The report says many people choose companion apps instead of human counsellors. About 20 percent of secondary students show moderate to severe depression, anxiety, and stress, and nearly half are reluctant to ask for help. Experts warn about privacy, repeating replies and possible harm. A local chatbot, Dustykid, will be launched in October after tests in schools.
Difficult words
- support — help or encouragement during hard times.
- emotion — a strong feeling like happiness or sadness.emotional
- comfort — a feeling of ease or relief.
- struggle — to have difficulty with something.
- loneliness — the feeling of being alone or isolated.
- popular — well-liked or widely used by many people.
- risk — the chance of something bad happening.risky
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are some benefits of talking to chatbots?
- In what ways could chatbots be risky for teenagers?
- How can friends offer support differently than chatbots?
Related articles
Small pause to slow misinformation on social media
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen propose a small pause before sharing on platforms like X, Bluesky and Mastodon. A computer model shows that a short delay plus a brief learning step can reduce reshares and improve shared content quality.
Africa uses AI to strengthen health systems and self-reliance
At the CPHIA conference in Durban, Africa CDC said AI and digital tools can help protect 1.4 billion people, improve surveillance and support primary health care. Data governance, infrastructure and domestic financing are key concerns.
Study: Industrial Revolution pollution affected people unevenly in England
A study in Science Advances used bones and historical records to track pollution exposure during the Industrial Revolution. Researchers analysed remains from 94 people in industrial South Shields and rural Barton-upon-Humber and found uneven, gendered exposure.
Cholera spreads where water and health systems fail
Cholera spread widely in 2024, with 560,823 reported cases and 6,028 deaths. Conflict, climate shocks and damaged water and health services drove outbreaks, while vaccines and better water and sanitation are key to preventing deaths.