AI Affairs, Clinic Closures, and the Mental Health Cost of Early Smartphones
This Complex Life · Marie Vakakis
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Show Notes
AI affairs, vanishing therapy clinics, and phones before age 13
Cheating with a chatbot. Therapy clinics shutting almost overnight. And new research on what smartphones are doing to young people’s mental health. These stories aren’t just news headlines. They are real issues showing up in therapy sessions and kitchen table conversations.
Here’s what stood out this week:
Chatbots and cheating
More people are forming emotional bonds with AI bots. Some are even calling it an affair. It might seem far-fetched but it’s happening. These connections feel safe, non-judgemental and easy. But they also raise real questions about trust, emotional safety and what it means to be in a relationship.
Thousands left without mental health care
Ramsay Health Care is closing 17 of its 20 psychology clinics across Australia. This decision is leaving thousands of clients, including children and high-risk individuals, without access to care. Many will end up on waitlists or lose support completely. It is another reminder that our mental health system is not working.
Phones before 13 linked to poor mental health
A global study found that young people who got a smartphone before age 13 were more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, aggression and disconnection from reality. Teens in the study said this matched their own experiences. They feel tired, stressed and stuck between wanting to unplug and fearing being left out.
Need something lighter?
I’ve been watching Teenage Boss on ABC. It’s a great series showing what happens when teens manage the family budget. Entertaining, a bit surprising, and worth a watch.
https://iview.abc.net.au/show/teenage-boss
Resources
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19452829.2025.2518313?src=exp-la#abstract
https://iview.abc.net.au/show/compass/series/39/video/RN2411H016S00
Mentioned in this episode:
Join me live Jan 28th for the Relationship New Year Reset https://marievakakis.com.au/relationship-new-year-reset-2026/