Exploring the Impact of AI Technology Addiction on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Adolescents

Authors

  • Cindy Claudia Br Nadeak Universitas Negeri Medan
  • Nurjasni Nurjasni Universitas Negeri Medan
  • Helda Handayani Hia Universitas Negeri Medan
  • Nurhikmah Siagian Universitas Negeri Medan
  • Jesika Pionauli Sitorus Universitas Negeri Medan
  • Atika Anjani Universitas Negeri Medan
  • Syamsul Bahri Universitas Negeri Medan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55606/jurribah.v4i3.6952

Keywords:

Adolescents, AI Addiction, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mental Health, Self-Determination Theory

Abstract

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made it a part of the teens' routine, but the intensity of its use raises concerns about mental health. This study aims to analyze the pattern of AI utilization and its impact on stress, anxiety, and depression in students of St. Petrus Medan High School using the framework of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), namely competence, autonomy, and connectedness). The research was conducted with a quantitative approach through a survey of 64 students using a total sampling technique, equipped with focused group discussions (FGDs) and literature review. The results show that more than 70% of students use AI on a regular basis, mainly through chatbots (81%) and social media (73%). Some students (35.9%) also use AI as a means of venting. Although 85.9% of respondents found AI to be helpful, the majority (59.3%) reported feeling inferior as a result of comparing themselves to AI results. These findings reveal a psychological paradox, where AI is perceived as a solution as well as a source of pressure. This condition has the potential to trigger stress and anxiety, although depressive symptoms do not yet appear to be dominant. This research emphasizes the importance of healthy digital literacy as well as mentoring from schools and parents to reduce the risk of AI addiction and maintain adolescent mental well-being.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Adelson, J. (2023). Digital media use and adolescent mental health: Correlations with depression symptoms. Journal of Adolescent Research, 38(2), 145–162.

Amran, M. S., Roslan, M. Z., & Sommer, W. (2024). Compulsive digital use: the risk and link of loneliness among adolescents. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2024-0047

Andrew, J., Rudra, M., Eunice, J., & Belfin, R. V. (2023). Artificial intelligence in

adolescents’ mental health disorder diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1110088. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1110088

Brodersen, K., Hammami, N., & Katapally, T. R. (2022). Smartphone use and mental health among youth: It is time to develop smartphone-specific screen time guidelines. Youth, 2(1), 23-38. https://doi.org/10.3390/youth2010003

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2271-7

Fadhillah, R., & Lestari, M. (2024). Artificial intelligence in mental health context: Opportunities and risks among psychology students. Indonesian Journal of Psychology and Technology, 12(1), 55–68. https://doi.org/10.31258/ijpt.12.1.55-68

Fadillah, D. (2025). The need for research on AI-driven social media and adolescent mental health. Children and Youth Services Review. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187620182500156X

Harahsheh, S., et al. (2024). Depression, stress, and anxiety versus internet addiction in early and middle adolescent groups: the mediating roles of family and school environments. BMC Psychology, 12, Art. 184. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01659-z

Holmes, W., Bialik, M., & Fadel, C. (2019). Artificial intelligence in education: Promises and implications for teaching and learning. Center for Curriculum Redesign. https://curriculumredesign.org/wp-content/uploads/AI-in-Education-Promises-and- Implication s_for_Teaching-and-Learning.pdf

Kabadayı, F. (2024). Smartphone addiction, depression, distress, eustress, loneliness, and sleep deprivation in adolescents: a latent profile and network analysis approach. BMC Psychology, 12, 608. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-02117-6

Khalaf, A. M., Alubied, A. A., Khalaf, A. M., & Rifaey, A. A. (2023). The Impact of Social Media on the Mental Health of Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 15(8), e42990. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.42990

Mansfield, K. L., Ghai, S., Hakman, T., & Ballou, N. (2025). From social media to artificial intelligence: Improving research on digital harms in youth. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352- 4642%2824%2900332-8/abstract

Opel, D. J., Kious, B. M., & Cohen, I. G. (2023). AI as a mental health therapist for adolescents. JAMA Pediatrics. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2810490

Sembiring, A. (2024). Digital technology and mental health: A literature review. Indonesian Journal of Digital Society, 5(2), 101–120. https://doi.org/10.31258/ijds.5.2.101-120](https://doi.org/10.31258/ijds.5.2.101-120

Sharma, G., Yaffe, M. J., Ghadiri, P., & Gandhi, R. (2025). Use of artificial intelligence in adolescents' mental health care: Systematic scoping review of current applications and future directions. JMIR Mental Health. https://mental.jmir.org/2025/1/e70438

Ulfah, N. (2024). The impact of AI dependence on university students’ social interaction and cognitive skills. Journal of Educational Technology Research, 14(1), 77–89. https://doi.org/10.31258/jetr.14.1.77-89

Downloads

Published

2025-10-10

How to Cite

Cindy Claudia Br Nadeak, Nurjasni Nurjasni, Helda Handayani Hia, Nurhikmah Siagian, Jesika Pionauli Sitorus, Atika Anjani, & Syamsul Bahri. (2025). Exploring the Impact of AI Technology Addiction on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Adolescents. Jurnal Riset Rumpun Ilmu Bahasa, 4(3), 246–256. https://doi.org/10.55606/jurribah.v4i3.6952