A look at the rise of free-to-use AI chatbots claiming to help with teens’ mental health struggles, as experts disagree about whether the chatbots are effective (Matthew Perrone/Associated Press)

Matthew Perrone / Associated Press:
A look at the rise of free-to-use AI chatbots claiming to help with teens' mental health struggles, as experts disagree about whether the chatbots are effective  —  Download the mental health chatbot Earkick and you're greeted by a bandana-wearing panda who could easily fit into a kids' cartoon.