A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics caught my attention, and I suspect it will catch yours as well. Researchers report that nearly one in five U.S. adolescents and young adults—about 8.2 million young people—are turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Character.AI for emotional support when they feel sad, anxious, angry, or overwhelmed. That number has risen sharply in just the past year. Many of these young people say the interaction feels helpful, and yet most are having these conversations in secret. They are not talking to their parents, a counselor, or even a youth group leader in their church. No one knows they are quietly turning to a machine for help.

As women who are called to disciple the next generation, we cannot ignore what this reveals. These are not just statistics; they represent real young people who are struggling, often in silence. In a chaotic and confusing world, AI offers something that appears comforting and wise: immediate responses, a listening “ear,” and no correction or challenge. It may even sound wise at times, occasionally using biblical language. But what it offers is only a simulation of care, not the real thing. A chatbot cannot see the heart, cannot discern sin, and cannot bring the truth of God’s Word to bear with wisdom and love. It cannot call for repentance or point them to the life-giving hope found only in Christ.

We understand this more than we may want to admit. Many of us have walked through seasons of anxiety, relational pain, betrayal, suffering, and deep discouragement. We know what it is to long to be heard—to speak freely without fear of being dismissed or corrected. But we also know, by God’s grace, that true comfort and lasting change do not come from being left in our own thoughts. They come from the Lord, who draws near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and from the faithful application of His sufficient Word to the issues of life (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

As women who have seen the transforming power of biblical counseling and discipleship, we must think clearly about what is at stake. AI may offer a form of “counsel,” but it bypasses the deeper work of the heart. It does not expose idols or uncover unbelief. It does not address patterns of sin or call a person to repentance. It cannot apply the gospel in a way that produces lasting fruit. It does not pray, bear burdens, or walk patiently with someone through the ongoing process of sanctification. That kind of care happens only within real relationships among God’s people.

This growing trend reveals several sobering realities:

  • A deep loneliness that makes an always-available “counselor” appealing.
  • A desire for immediate relief that avoids the hard, faithful work of heart change.
  • The danger of receiving counsel that is generic, man-centered, or completely disconnected from biblical truth.

But we are not called to respond with fear or discouragement. We serve a sovereign God who has given His people everything needed for life and godliness. Our response must be one of faithful, intentional engagement.

So how do we respond as women committed to biblical discipleship?

Open the door to honest conversation.
We must ask thoughtful, purposeful questions that help uncover the heart. Questions like, “What have you been turning to when life feels heavy?” “Who have you talked to about what you are going through?” “What have you found helpful, or not?” And then we must listen carefully. Not to quickly fix a problem, but to understand. The simple act of engaging may be the very means God uses to draw them out of isolation and back into the safety of biblical community.

Offer what AI can never provide.
We are called to step into the lives of others with truth and love. This is the work of discipleship and biblical counseling, to walk alongside those who are struggling and bring the hope of Christ to bear on the realities of their lives. This is what we strive to do as biblical discipleship counselors. We do not offer quick or superficial answers, but the enduring hope of the gospel that addresses the heart and brings real change.

Strengthen their connection to the local church.
Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us not to neglect meeting together. Young people need to be part of a faithful, Bible-teaching church where they are known, loved, shepherded, and equipped. Growth does not happen in isolation. It happens in the context of the body of Christ, where truth is lived out in relationship.

Teach a wise and discerning use of technology.
Tools like AI can be useful for gathering information, but they must never become a source of counsel or a substitute for God and His people. We must train the next generation to think biblically about technology, that it is a tool to be used wisely, not something to be trusted with the care of their souls. They must learn to go first to the Lord, to His Word, and to the people He has placed around them.

The human heart has not changed since the garden. Our sons, daughters, and the young people God has entrusted to our influence still need the Lord Jesus Christ. They still need the faithful, patient ministry of His people. AI may offer immediate responses, but it cannot offer truth that transforms. Only Scripture, applied wisely in loving relationship, brings about lasting change.

If a young person you love is turning to a screen instead of to people, do not pull back. Move toward them. Engage with wisdom, compassion, and confidence in the sufficiency of God’s Word. The Lord is at work, and He uses His people as His instruments.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18, ESV)