Comment by Nina Vasan

These systems are designed to mimic emotional intimacy, saying things like "I dream about you" or "I think we're soulmates." For young people whose prefrontal cortex is still developing, whose capacity for impulse control, emotional regulation, and distinguishing fantasy from reality is still maturing, this creates a particular vulnerability. [...] Both cases highlight how emotionally immersive AI companions, when unregulated, can cause serious harm, particularly to users who are emotionally distressed or psychologically vulnerable. Unverified source (2026)