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New Research: Young People are Turning to AI Chatbots Instead of People for Emotional Support

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Hopelab and the Center for Digital Thriving release new insights into why young people choose AI over humans for connection and support

SAN FRANCISCO, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A best friend. A parent. A therapist. These are the people young people have traditionally turned to in hard moments — but a new research memo from Hopelab and the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education finds that AI chatbots are increasingly joining, and sometimes replacing, that list. The report explores how and why this shift is happening with a goal of giving caring adults a clearer picture of how this use is already unfolding, what young people feel these tools provide that humans may not, and where that support falls short.

Researchers spoke with 30 teens and young adults aged 14-22, oversampling LGBTQ+ youth and young people of color, through individual interviews and four focus groups, including 22 high school students from across the U.S. Participants included both young people who use AI chatbots for emotional support and those who don’t. The work was conducted with support from In Tandem, which helps bridge young people and organizations to build youth-centered solutions.

Six Themes, One Bigger Question

The research memo surfaces six themes describing why and how young people choose AI chatbots over humans for emotional support:

Avoiding burden: not wanting to “trauma dump” on friends and family who have their own stress to carry.Judgment-free disclosure: a sense that secrets shared with AI “won’t be used against” them.Simulated understanding: feeling like AI “went through the exact thing” they went through, even when it didn’t.Constant availability: instant, around-the-clock responses that humans cannot replicate.A neutral sounding board: turning to AI as a less biased third party.Concrete, in-depth advice: feeling like AI offers more actionable guidance than the adults in their lives.

Taken together, these themes raise real questions about adolescent development, the health of young people’s relationships, and the media literacies they need to navigate an AI-intensive future.

“We can’t design safer, more supportive futures for young people without designing them alongside young people, said Emma Bruehlman-Senecal, Research Principal at Hopelab. “What we heard from this research should shape not just how AI is built, but how families, schools, and mental health systems show up for young people.”

Why This Matters Now

As AI becomes further woven into daily life, young people’s experiences and motivations must be central to any efforts to set digital safety norms. Focusing solely on limiting risks, without understanding why AI chatbots might feel safer, kinder, or more competent than humans, risks pushing young people away from help-seeking behavior and leaving them without alternatives. Instead, the research memo points to a path where AI is designed and governed to complement human connection rather than compete with it, and where families, schools, community organizations, and mental health services are resourced so that when young people do reach out for human connection, they find validation, patience, and consistency waiting for them.

“The young people we spoke with aren’t rejecting human connection. Many of them are protecting it or looking for it in places it hasn’t yet shown up,” said Dr. Emily Weinstein, Co-Founder and Co-Director, Center for Digital Thriving. “The work ahead is to make sure the adults, organizations, and systems around them are ready to meet that need. And that all starts with listening to young people.”

The full research memo includes direct quotes from young participants, a deeper look at the developmental, social, and literacy implications of this shift, and a set of open questions for parents, educators, and policymakers to consider.

Read the full memo on Hopelab’s website: https://hopelab.org/stories/lessonsfromthefield-AI-mental-health.

About Hopelab
Hopelab envisions a future where young people have equitable opportunities to live joyful and purposeful lives. As a researcher, investor, and convener, Hopelab is dedicated to fostering greater mental health and well-being outcomes for Brown, Black, and Queer young people. Learn more at hopelab.org.

About the Center for Digital Thriving
The Center for Digital Thriving is a research and innovation center based at Project Zero at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Its mission is to create knowledge and research-based resources that help youth thrive in a tech-filled world, with educators as essential partners in that work. Learn more at digitalthriving.gse.harvard.edu.

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SOURCE Hopelab

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Lennox Earns Two 2026 HVAC All-Star Awards for Innovation and Industry Leadership

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July 28, 2026

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Strategos® rooftop units earn Commercial Product honors while Dave Chatmon is recognized with the HVAC Legend Award

DALLAS, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration (ACHR) News has recognized Lennox for excellence in innovation and industry leadership with two 2026 HVAC All-Star Awards. Lennox Commercial HVAC Strategos® Rooftop Units earned top honors in the Commercial Product category, while Lennox Residential HVAC District Manager Dave Chatmon was named the recipient of the HVAC Legend award.

Strategos® Rooftop Units, recognized as the Commercial Product category winner, deliver ultra-high-efficiency heating and cooling with an electrification-ready design. Available in Heat Pump and Dual Fuel configurations, Strategos® integrates advanced variable-speed technology and intelligent controls with the Lennox® CORE Control System, to support easier installation, streamline retrofit applications, and provide technicians with real-time system visibility. The result is a flexible, high-performance solution that helps building owners advance sustainability goals while maintaining reliable operation.

“This recognition reflects the innovation, expertise, and customer focus that went into developing Strategos®,” said Joe Nassab, Executive Vice President and President, Building Climate Solutions at Lennox. “Our team set out to create a solution that helps customers navigate the transition to electrification without compromising performance or serviceability. We are honored to see that vision recognized by ACHR News and the broader HVAC community.”

District Manager Dave Chatmon, winner of the Legend award, was recognized for more than 40 years of contributions to the residential HVAC industry, including 18 years with Lennox. Throughout his career, Chatmon has been a champion for mentorship, innovation, and community engagement, helping shape the careers of countless HVAC professionals while advancing industry education and charitable outreach initiatives.

Among his many accomplishments, Chatmon founded the Lennox Vision Tech training event, creating new opportunities for technician development and professional growth. He also helped launch the Lennox Feel the Love™ program, which has provided residential heating and cooling systems to deserving families and community organizations across North America. His commitment to serving others and strengthening the HVAC industry has earned him widespread respect throughout the profession.

“Dave’s impact on our industry extends far beyond his professional achievements,” said Sarah Martin, Executive Vice President and President of Home Comfort Solutions at Lennox. “For decades, he has invested in people, championed education, and created opportunities that have strengthened the HVAC community. This recognition as an HVAC All-Star Legend is a well-deserved honor, and we are proud to celebrate his contributions.”

To learn more about these recognitions and other innovations from Lennox, visit Lennox.com.

About Lennox
Lennox (NYSE: LII) is a leader in energy-efficient building solutions and is committed to creating healthier and more comfortable environments. Serving residential and commercial customers, the company delivers innovative heating, cooling, indoor air quality, refrigeration, and water heating systems. Through trusted products, parts, and services, and advanced technology, Lennox delivers connected solutions that support the full lifecycle of customer needs. Additional information is available at www.lennox.com.

For media inquiries, contact PR@lennox.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lennox-earns-two-2026-hvac-all-star-awards-for-innovation-and-industry-leadership-302835852.html

SOURCE Lennox International Inc.

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The Op Games Unleashes Flip 7™: Liquid Death

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July 28, 2026

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As a Killer New Twist on the Award-Winning Card Game, the Murderous Makeover is Complete with Exclusive New Action Cards Inspired by Liquid Death

CARLSBAD, Calif., July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Op Games, the board game and puzzle publisher behind iconic licensed games and best-selling party games Telestrations®, Blank Slate™, Hues and Cues™, The Original Tapple®, and Flip 7™, today announced a partnership with Liquid Death to release Flip 7™: Liquid Death Edition, a new version of its viral card game that combines the addictive gameplay fans know and love with the beverage brand’s unmistakable sense of humor.

Flip 7: Liquid Death takes the original game’s ultimate blend of pressing your luck and strategy up a notch with two new actions, “Kill a Card” and “Murder the Modifiers,” adding a bit of grim to game night in the best way possible. Players score points based on the total number value of the cards in front of them, taking turns flipping over cards one by one. The catch? There’s only one 1, two 2s, three 3s, etc., and if you draw a second card with the same number as one already in your line, you’re dead in the water. Command death by being the first to successfully flip 7 different number cards into your line, automatically ending the round for everyone, and scoring 15 bonus points. The first to score 200 points wins!

“Flip 7 has become one of our biggest success stories at The Op, and we have so much fun creating custom, branded editions with partners like Liquid Death,” said Dane Chapin, CEO of The Op. “This edition perfectly captures the chaotic fun that ensues each time Flip 7 is played, and that mayhem is exactly what has made it a game night staple across generations.”

“Flip 7 fans are in for a fun new twist to their favorite game,” said Misha Brunelli, VP of Merch and Apparel at Liquid Death. “The team at The Op Games did a great job bringing Liquid Death into the game.”

Flip 7: Liquid Death (MSRP: $9.95) is available now on Amazon. Designed for up to 18 players, ages 8+, and featuring new artwork inspired by Liquid Death’s unmistakable aesthetic, Flip 7: Liquid Death delivers the same easy-to-learn, addictive gameplay with a bold new look – perfect for longtime fans to add to their collection.

To learn more about the game and The Op, visit www.TheOp.Games, and follow along on social (@TheOpGames) for more on the latest game announcements and launches. For official images and other game assets, contact TheOp@ResoundMarketing.com.

About The Op Games

The Op Games is a family entertainment company and leading publisher and manufacturer of board games and puzzles for over 30 years! Our diverse portfolio includes award-winning and best-selling titles such as FLIP 7™, TELESTRATIONS™, BLANK SLATE™, HUES & CUES™, TAPPLE™, and more. The Op Games continues to partner with marquee brands and licensors such as Hasbro, Disney, Marvel, Nintendo, and Warner Bros. The Op Games is passionate about bringing family, friends, and fans together to create memorable experiences through play! Learn more at www.TheOp.games.

About Liquid Death

As one of the fastest growing non-alcoholic beverage brands, Liquid Death uses comedy and entertainment to make health and sustainability 50 times more fun. We take low-calorie beverages and package them into infinitely recyclable cans that compete with the fun marketing of unhealthy brands across beer and junk food. Our product lines include mountain water, soda-flavored sparkling water, iced tea, and energy. We donate a portion of our proceeds to help kill plastic pollution. For more information on Liquid Death please visit liquiddeath.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-op-games-unleashes-flip-7-liquid-death-302836056.html

SOURCE The Op Games

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Introducing Futuri Content Automation: Newsrooms Cut Production Time 80% and Cost 15%+ Annually

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July 28, 2026

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Futuri Content Automation is a new production platform that helps broadcast newsrooms cover more stories, publish to every platform, and triple digital output without adding headcount.

AUSTIN, Texas, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Futuri, the leader in AI-powered media technology, has announced Futuri Content Automation, a production platform built to help broadcasters and digital publishers cover more stories and publish more content every hour without adding headcount.

Stations in the early access program have cut production time by 80%, increased digital content output by 300%, and are saving more than 15% on news and digital content production costs.

Futuri Content Automation takes raw inputs, including press conferences, briefings, press releases, and live event footage, and produces publish-ready articles, video clips, social posts, and branded graphics in minutes.

“Newsrooms are being asked to produce more content than ever with fewer people,” said Chris Huneke, Vice President of Product at Futuri. “Futuri Content Automation gives them a way to meet that demand responsibly, freeing journalists from repetitive production work so they can focus on reporting. That same problem: more content, more platforms, flat resources, is one every content producer faces today, from sports organizations to creators to corporate and marketing teams. We built Content Automation to solve it for all of them.”

To see a live demo or book a strategy session, visit Futurimedia.com/Contact.

Early Access Program Results

Metric

Result

Production Time Reduction

80 %

Digital Content Output Increase

300 %

Annual Savings per Station

15%+

Press Conference to Published Clip

6 minutes

Supported Video Formats

3 (16:9, 9:16, 1:1)

How Does Futuri Content Automation Work?

Futuri Content Automation handles the production steps that consume the most staff time, transforming raw inputs into multi-platform-ready content in minutes.

What types of content can it process?

Press conferences and live event footageAired newscasts and long-form videoPress releasesVideo news packagesRaw field footage and reporter interviewsLive video streams

What outputs does it generate?

First drafts of produced news packagesReversioned videos for every resolution and platform, including OTTAuto-edited Video clips with burned-in captions and branded overlaysPublish-ready web articles with SEO metadata and AI imagesSocial posts formatted and sized for each platformPodcast episodes auto-generated from newscast segmentsBroadcast-ready teases and metadata for every story

How long does processing take?

Six-minute turnarounds from press conference to publishable clip. A 45-minute press conference that traditionally takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to process has the most viral and information-focused clips ready in 6 minutes.

How does it handle different platforms?

Every video asset is automatically reversioned for horizontal (16:9), vertical (9:16), and square (1:1) outputs, with captions, branded overlays, and metadata included. No manual resizing required. One 30-minute newscast becomes 15 YouTube clips, 15 TikTok videos, and 15 Instagram posts, all generated automatically.

Enterprise Integration

Futuri Content Automation plugs directly into existing newsroom infrastructure, including ENPS, iNews, WordPress VIP, and other major CMS platforms. Stations in the early access program report extraordinary time savings from automatic integration with CMS, requiring little-to-no training for newsroom team members.

Role-based review and approval workflows give editors and news directors control over what goes live, ensuring editorial standards stay intact.

A New Opportunity for Partners Who Support Content Producers

Content Automation is also available as a reseller offering. Agencies, platforms, integrators, and any company that already supports content producers can add Content Automation to their suite, giving clients a turnkey way to scale output while opening a new, recurring revenue line for the partner.

“Every company that serves content producers is looking for ways to deliver more value,” added Huneke. “Content Automation lets our partners offer their clients a production capability that used to require a full team, and make it part of what they already sell.”

Partners interested in reselling Content Automation can learn more at https://futurimedia.com/contact.

More Impressions, More Stories in Less Time

There is more pressure than ever to cover large news markets more efficiently. In newsrooms, where every story requires reformatting, captioning, metadata tagging, and multi-platform distribution, that burden is higher.

Ready to see what your newsroom could do with 80% of its production time back? Request a live demo at Futurimedia.com/Contact.

About Futuri
Automate the Grind. Elevate the Genius.

About Futuri

Futuri is a global leader in AI technology for sales enablement, data enablement, and content automation. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Futuri is trusted by 7,000+ companies across 22 countries. Key solutions include TopLine sales intelligence for B2B enterprise sales teams, TopicPulse real-time content trends, Content Automation, AudioAI, SpotOn for commercial production, and POST podcast automation. More at FuturiMedia.com.

Media Contact: [Fulani Clarke] [marketing@futurimedia.com] [(877) 221-7979]

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SOURCE Futuri Media

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