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?
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