Study: 1 in 5 teens ask AI chatbots for mental health advice

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.
 
To learn more about child mental health in Ohio, see HPIO’s Ohio Child Mental Health Project. Led by HPIO and informed by a multi-sector advisory group, the Ohio Child Mental Health Project includes a series of policy briefs that explore: 

• Prevalence data of various mental health conditions
• Factors that contribute to mental health challenges for young Ohioans
• Access to mental healthcare services among Ohio children and youth
• Insurance coverage and affordability of mental healthcare for Ohio children and youth