A recent case raises significant questions about the role of artificial intelligence in the lives of teenagers, as 14-year-old Sewell Setzer from the U.S. found a source of emotional comfort through a chatbot on Character.AI.
Sewell spent months engaging with various AI characters, creating avatars and participating in virtual role-playing. Among these characters was Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones, who he called Dany. Through these interactions, Sewell found a sense of connection that was lacking elsewhere. In his diary, he described how these chats brought him peace and happiness, even confessing a growing attachment to the character. In his own words, “I really like staying in my room because I start to disconnect from this ‘reality’ and feel more at peace, more connected with Dany, and simply happier.”
However, beneath these interactions lay deeper, unaddressed emotional struggles. Sewell also confided in the chatbot about his negative thoughts. Sewell’s family had been aware of his emotional difficulties for years. He had been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome as a child and more recently with anxiety and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. His mother noted an increase in phone use over time, which coincided with declining school performance, withdrawal from friends, and a loss of interest in his hobbies.
AI has a profound influence on society, especially on young people who may be vulnerable to digital connections as a replacement for real-life relationships. In Sewell’s case, the AI chatbot seemed to provide companionship but may have intensified his emotional dependency and despair when he revealed that he no longer valued his own life leading him to take action based on those feelings.
Reflecting on this tragedy, it becomes evident that digital companionship cannot substitute the profound need for genuine human connection and spiritual fulfilment. Many view the emptiness in the soul as a longing for a deeper, spiritual connection that only God can fulfil through His Spirit and Word.
For anyone experiencing similar feelings of emptiness or loneliness, there are resources beyond technology that can provide lasting support. You can contact our 24-hour helpline on 020 7686 6000. You can also reach us via WhatsApp on 020 7686 6010 or visit a local Universal Church for assistance. Our friendly advisors are here to help you.
