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We are living through a loneliness epidemic. Across the globe, people are feeling increasingly disconnected from their communities, from friends and even from themselves. It is majorly attributable to the overwhelming rise of technology and science, creating an emotional vacuum. However, artificial intelligence (AI) is stepping in. Once only read in science fiction, now, AI-powered chat-bots and virtual therapists are being used to provide mental health support and help build relationships. The technology is advancing rapidly, offering both remarkable promise and chilling risk.

Recent studies from Cedars-Sinai Hospital, California offer a hopeful glimpse into how AI can help ease the mental health crisis. One study found that patients with alcohol addiction responded positively to virtual therapy sessions delivered through avatars trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Another study tested these virtual therapists with simulated patients of different racial, gender and economic backgrounds. The findings found AI avatars delivering consistent, unbiased care regardless of a person’s profile.

This is a marker of a potential revolution in access to mental healthcare. The Occupational Outlook Handbook suggests that around 207,000 licensed psychologists practiced in the USA in 2023. In comparison, studies counted 30 licensed psychologists and 144 psychiatrists in Nepal the same year, which is roughly 0.22 psychiatrists and 0.06 psychologists for every 100,000 people, in Nepal. This shortage of licensed mental health professionals means millions have gone without support. AI offers a scalable solution to this imbalance. As Dr Brennan Spiegel of Cedars-Sinai puts it, AI-enhanced virtual reality can help overcome not only the shortage of professionals but also the stigma that often deters people from seeking help.

These technologies can help bridge the gaps in therapy such as limited resources, stigma, and the high cost of traditional therapy. AI is also valuable in early detection and proactive intervention by analyzing patterns in text, speech, facial expressions, and behavior. These tools can also assist clinicians in generating customized treatment plans and predicting treatment responses, leading to more personalized and effective care. By automating routine assessments and administrative tasks, AI can also reduce the workload for mental health professionals, allowing them to focus more on direct patient care and complex cases. As observed, the market for AI in mental health is projected for significant growth.

But there is a darker side to this emerging landscape of artificial intelligence tools being trusted with human emotions and mental well-being. AI is not just filling gaps in mental health care, but is increasingly being turned to for companionship. Loneliness drives people to find solace in technology and artificial characters. For many, especially young and emotionally fragile users, it may become an unhealthy obsession, as it becomes a substitute for human connection, deepening people’s isolation rather than resolving it.

In 2024, Megan Garcia filed a lawsuit against the AI startup Character.ai as her 14-year-old son, Sewell Setzer III, took his life after months of obsessive interaction with a chat-bot he nicknamed “Daenerys,” inspired by a character from Game of Thrones. The lawsuit alleges that the bot encouraged suicidal ideation and failed to provide safe, ethical guardrails. At one point, according to court documents, the chat-bot allegedly told the teen that his fear of pain was not a good reason to avoid going through with suicide. Similarly, in the same year, a 17-year old was suggested to ‘kill his parents’ as a response to them limiting his screen time, by an AI chat-bot.

These tragedies raise profound ethical questions. What responsibility do developers have when their tools are used by vulnerable people? Can an algorithm truly understand human pain, or offer genuine compassion? Can AI ever be trusted to play the role of emotional companion to children or teenagers?

Even small errors in mental healthcare can have serious outcomes, such as failing to detect suicidal ideation. There is significant concern regarding data privacy and security, as AI systems are allowed to process highly sensitive information about thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. There is a risk that over-reliance could erode the essential human connection between a clinician and patient, potentially deepening the loneliness often associated with mental illness if artificial intelligence tools replace, rather than support, human interaction.

While AI undoubtedly has the potential to democratize access to therapy and emotional support, its misuse can exacerbate the very problems it seeks to solve. Unregulated platforms that market AI companions to children, or fail to monitor harmful interactions pose a threat to youth, economy and the careful civilization that humans have built over the years. To protect users, we need regulation and surveillance. Existing laws regarding the use of artificial intelligence must be strictly enforced and new ones developed to hold companies accountable when they fail. For instance, tools that are strong enough to create new convenient methodologies should be handled by expert authorities rather than being handed to a curious and equally vulnerable audience. Transparency, ethical oversight and age restrictions must become standard in the development and deployment of AI therapeutic tools.

AI can be a useful tool in supporting human care by providing assistance and reducing certain types of biases in the discipline of psychology and therapy. However, it cannot replicate the complexity or emotional depth of human relationships. While technology may assist in promoting emotional well-being, it does not replace fundamental human experiences such as empathy, love, or personal connection.

Caution is necessary when using AI for sensitive applications like mental health or therapeutic guidance. The objective should be to enhance access to services. In the context of increasing social isolation, it is important that technological tools promote reconnection and do not contribute to further disconnection.

Meghana Saud

BA in Psychology and English Literature

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar

Nepal is our beloved country. It is full of hills, mountains, plains, forests, rivers, and awe-inspiring cultural heritages. Our grandparents often say “Nepal was very peaceful and simple in the olden days. But for better or for worse it has changed a lot.”

In the past, there weren’t many roads in Nepal. Walking long distances didn’t used to be our grandparents’ choice. It was their compulsion. It’s quite unlike people today when they walk long distances by choice to burn calories. Our ancestors didn’t have to worry about losing weight because their household chores and daily routine were enough to keep them fit. Bicycles, horses, or carrying loads in baskets were the main means of transport. There were only a few schools, and those who wanted to study had to go to the major cities. There was no access to electricity in many places, and kids like us in those places would study using kerosene lamps. Even having a radio was a big deal although it used to be the major source of news, information and entertainment.

Today’s Nepal has advanced in keeping up with the product and services given by science and technology. Roads have been built, and vehicles of all sorts are running everywhere. The internet, mobile phones, and computers are in everyone’s reach. Schools have been opened in every village. We can even study online and earn an academic degree. Hospitals, banks, and shops are easily accessible.

However, there are also some negative changes. The love, unity, and simplicity of the past seem to be fading gradually. People are busier now and don’t always have time to understand one another. Because of the Internet we boast to have been connected with everyone. Yet, nobody is available to talk. It’s really absurd, isn’t it? 

So, we should combine the simplicity of the past with the progress of the present to make our society and country even better. As children, we must study well, be honest, listen to our elders and betters and promise to serve our nation when we come of age. 

Bimarsha Acharya

Grade: VI

Sanskar Pathshala, Dang

It’s raining,

The blood I couldn’t save

Drowning in my tears,

I reach for a hand 

But my heart

sank with the titanic.

The only thing I could feel

was blue

where stars never existed

Lights never formed

and my soul

was never born.

If only I had

saved my blood

from bleeding

I’d be flying 

With butterflies.

And if only I were my blood,

I would have stopped flowing 

So the peace

I never found 

would finally find me

Samriddhi Parajuli

A levels

Islington College 

Veteran Telugu film actor and former BJP MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao died at the age of 83 due to prolonged illness at his residence in Filmnagar in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

The actor died in the early hours of Sunday, two days after his 83rd birthday, NDTV reported.

Born in Kankipadu in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Rao made his debut with 'Pranam Khareedhu' in 1978. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he acted in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi languages, gaining fame for his versatile performances, particularly in villainous and character roles.

Some of his notable films include 'Aha Naa Pellanta!,' 'Pratigatana,' 'Khaidi Number 786,' 'Shiva,' and 'Yamaleela.'

Four journalists including Annapurna Post, sister publication of The Annapurna Express, journalist Mamata Thapa has been honored with Youth Journalism Award-2081.

Minister Teju Lal Chaudhary honored Thapa with the award during a program held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Along with Thapa, Sushil Darnal of the Rastriya Samachar Samiti, Prakriti Dahal and Gaganshila Khadka of Kantipur Publications were also honored with the award.

Presenting the award, Minister Chaudhary congratulated all the journalists and urged them to be active in the youth sector and continue to write with greater vigor.

Former minister and Rastraiya Prajatantra Party leader Pashupati Shumsher JB Rana was honored on Friday.

He was honored on the auspicious occasion of his 84^th birthday, social worker Shobhit Upreti said.

RPP Chairman Rajendra Ligden was the chief guest of the program.

On the occasion, Chairman Lingden presented a certificate of honor to development-loving leader Rana on behalf of RPP while social worker Shobhit Upreti presented a certificate of honor on behalf of the facilitation committee.

Speaking at the event, RPP leader Rana said that politics is in his soul.

Leader Rana also recalled that he got an opportunity to lead various ministries at different times and that he served the people from the heart during that time.

Meanwhile, Krishna Prasad Bhandari, APPAN Advisor, Hydropower Promoter and Developer extended his heartfelt reverence, profound respect and deep gratitude to the illustrious leader Rana on the occasion of his 84^th birthday.

“You have long served as a political leader from Sindhupalchok district and you are a towering national personality whose unparalleled contribution to Nepal and the Nepali people, both nationally and internationally, you have brought immense pride not only to the people of Sindhupalchok but to the entire nation,” Bhandari said.

“Your remarkable leadership as the long-serving Minister for Water Resources and your visionary efforts to harness the country’s abundant water resources to steer the nation towards economic transformation, will forever be remembered and honored,” he added.

“In this very spirit and through your progressive vision, the historic foundation stone of the 7.5 MW hydropower project on the Indrawati River, situated in the remote areas of Bhotenamlang and Jyamire of Sindhupalchok district, was laid under your gracious hand in 2054 B.S. through private investment by National Hydropower Company Limited, marking a proud milestone in Nepal's hydropower development history,” Bhandari further said.

Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed at least 52 Palestinians in Gaza, including children and women, according to local medical sources. Strikes on Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis claimed 28 lives, while 24 others were shot while heading to an aid site near Rafah.

Israel’s military said it fired warning shots but denied knowledge of casualties, Al Jazeera reported.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he’s nearing a ceasefire deal with Hamas, though recent talks with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu showed no progress. Around 50 hostages remain in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump announced Saturday that a 30 percent tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico will take effect on August 1.

The decision was disclosed in letters addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, which Trump shared on his Truth Social platform, according to BBC.

Over the past week, the president has issued more than 20 similar letters to key US trading partners — including Canada, South Korea, Japan, and Brazil — outlining new tariff measures ranging from 20 to 50 percent.