Nearly 1 in 5 teens using AI chatbots for emotional support, study finds
Nearly 1 in 5 teens using AI chatbots for emotional support, study finds
https://www.wbay.com/2026/06/12/nearly-1-5-teens-using-ai-chatbots-emotional-support-study-finds/
Publish Date: 2026-06-12 07:40:00
Source Domain: www.wbay.com
- Rising usage of AI chatbots for emotional support among teens and young adults as revealed in a JAMA Pediatrics study.
- Nearly one in five young people have used AI chatbots for advice or help during struggles.
- Concerns about the impact of AI mental health tools, including their unpredictability and potential replacement of human interaction.
- 43% of users consult AI chatbots at least monthly, and 92% find the advice somewhat or very helpful.
- Experts warn that AI replacing human mental health support can be harmful.
- Recommended strategies for parents include open discussions about mental health and co-prompting to interpret and verify chatbot advice.
- There is currently no evidence that chatbots lead to positive long-term outcomes or reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
