Teenagers and Young Adults Rely on AI Chatbots for Emotional Support, Study Finds

Key Takeaways

• 19% of adolescents and young adults have used AI chatbots for advice or help when feeling upset, nervous or anxious.
• Over 8 million young people nationally have used chatbots for emotional support.
• More than 91% of users viewed the advice as somewhat or very helpful.

The use of AI chatbots for emotional support is becoming increasingly common among teenagers and young adults, with nearly 1 in 5 adolescents and young adults having used these tools for advice or help when feeling upset, nervous or anxious, according to a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics.

The study, which surveyed 1,009 adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 21 across the United States, found that many of these young people use chatbots repeatedly and consider the advice helpful.

Background & Context

The rise of AI chatbots has led to concerns about their potential impact on mental health, particularly among young people who are already vulnerable to emotional challenges.

According to Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness expert and emergency physician, AI chatbots can provide a sense of comfort and support for young people, but they are not a substitute for human relationships and professional care.

Dr. Wen notes that while AI chatbots can offer helpful suggestions, they can also reinforce unhealthy coping strategies and provide inaccurate information.

Why This Matters

The findings of this study highlight the need for parents, clinicians, and other trusted adults to be aware of the role that AI chatbots are playing in the lives of young people.

Dr. Wen recommends that parents and healthcare professionals ask about AI use in the same way they ask about social media use, and that they understand the strengths and limitations of these tools.

By being aware of the potential risks and benefits of AI chatbots, parents and clinicians can help young people use these tools in a way that supports their emotional well-being.

Looking Ahead

The study's findings have important implications for the development of AI chatbots and their integration into mental health services.

Dr. Wen notes that some AI tools are being built specifically to help patients who are already under the care of a mental health professional, and that these tools may become better alternatives to generic AI chatbots in the future.

However, Dr. Wen also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing human relationships and professional care in addressing mental health challenges.

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