How AI is changing and challenging healthcare access

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics found that nearly one in five adolescents use chatbots for mental health advice.
Most adolescents do not disclose their use of AI chatbots for mental health advice to others.
Therapists emphasize understanding the reasons behind the use of chatbots and actively listening to young people’s concerns without judgment.
AI chatbots offer immediate help, availability 24/7, and a sense of anonymity, which young people reportedly find easier than sharing with parents, friends, or therapists.
There are also concerns that AI lacks the ability to truly understand human suffering, empathize, and comprehend the full complexity of an individual’s background and experiences.
AI chatbots can, however, assist in organizing thoughts, teaching coping skills, and facilitating self-reflection.
The study suggests that a higher percentage of females use AI for mental health advice, partly attributed to societal stereotypes around emotional expression.
To ensure AI does not replace human connections, it’s important to create safe spaces for teenagers to discuss their true feelings, recognize the signs of declining mental health, and educate adolescents on the proper and safe use of AI tools.

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