Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
Nearly 1 in 5 American adolescents and young adults say they have used AI chatbots for advice or help when feeling sad, angry, nervous, or stressed, according to a new study (Source: Your Teen Might be Asking ChatGPT for Mental Health Advice Right Now, Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 10).
The new RAND Health study also found that among adolescents and young adults who reported using AI chatbots for mental health advice, nearly two-thirds (63%) said they had not disclosed that use to anyone.
The findings come as the United States continues to face a youth mental health crisis, and AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Character.AI, and Meta AI have become widely available and heavily used by teens and young adults, researchers said.
Rand researchers said the study results highlight the need for parents, healthcare workers, and other trusted adults to help young people understand the benefits and limitations of these tools.