Mental health professionals have raised concerns over the growing popularity of Character AI platforms among young people, warning that immersive chatbot interactions could blur the line between entertainment, companionship and psychological dependence.Also Read: The Hindu Huddle 2026 Day 1 HighlightsSpeaking at a session on “The Matrix can hear you: Chatbots and Mental Health” organised as part of The Hindu Huddle, NIMHANS Director Prabha S. Chandra said Character AI differs significantly from conventional generative AI tools because users can interact with simulated personalities ranging from historical figures and celebrities to fictional characters and customised companions.“Unlike a standard chatbot, Character AI allows users to create highly personalised relationships and narratives. It can become deeply immersive because users are not just consuming content; they are actively participating in and shaping the story,” she said.Dr. Chandra noted that many young users find such platforms engaging and entertaining, but cautioned that the absence of adequate safeguards could make them particularly vulnerable. “The interactions can become increasingly intense as users seek more excitement and emotional engagement. For adolescents and children, this raises important concerns about dependency, emotional regulation and reality testing,” she said.In pictures: The Hindu Huddle 2026 | Day 1Day 1 of The Hindu Huddle in Bengaluru, inaugurated by Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar (R). Dr. Narayan Lakshman, The Hindu’s Opinion editor and the curator of The Huddle (L) is seen at the event.The Hindu Huddle 2026 opens in Bengaluru, June 5, 2026.The Hindu Huddle brought under a single roof, the most impactful experts in the time of shifting global priorities and polarities on June 5, 2026.The sixth edition of the ideas conclave of The Hindu Group, was held in Bengaluru on June 5 and 6.J&K CM Omar Abdullah said at the event, "Come and visit Kashmir. We don’t get enough visitors from the South of the Vindhyas. We are trying to encourage more people from this part of the country to come visit us."Xu Feihong, Chinese Ambassador to India, in a session with Suhasini Haidar, Diplomatic Affairs Editor, The Hindu, spoke about how India-China ties is one of the most important relationships in the world.At the session - ‘The Power of Words: Diplomacy at a time of conflict’, moderated by The Hindu’s Suhasini Haidar spoke to diplomats.