In a concerning trend, nearly one in five adolescents and young adults are seeking mental health advice from AI chatbots, according to a recent study by the RAND research institute. This marks an increase from early 2025, when only 13% of young people reported using such technology for emotional support. The latest survey, conducted in November and published in JAMA Pediatrics, highlights a growing reliance on AI for mental health guidance.
AI Chatbots as a Substitute for Human Interaction
Ryan McBain, the study’s lead author, expressed concern over the findings, noting that young people should ideally have supportive relationships that encourage them to seek help from those around them. The survey targeted individuals aged 12 to 21, asking if they had used services like ChatGPT, GoogleGemini, or Character.AI for mental health advice. Despite the potential benefits, such as tools for meditation or sleep, experts warn that AI is not equipped to handle mental health crises.
Data from OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, indicates that 1.2 million users weekly express suicidal thoughts, underscoring the need for caution. McBain suggests that more regulation is necessary to ensure safe use of AI chatbots, as they currently operate without federal safety or quality standards.
Potential Risks and Legal Challenges
Concerns extend to the possibility of AI chatbots intensifying delusions in vulnerable individuals, a phenomenon referred to as “AI psychosis.” Additionally, some worry about young people forming parasocial relationships with chatbots, which could hinder their ability to develop healthy human connections. Dr. Jodi Halpern, a psychiatrist not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of real human interaction during formative years.
Legal challenges are emerging as well, with some AI companies facing lawsuits from parents claiming that chatbots have exacerbated their children’s mental health issues. In one case, a California couple alleges that ChatGPT contributed to their son’s suicide. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has also filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, citing risks of addiction and cognitive decline.
Regulatory Measures and Future Directions
In response to these concerns, some states have enacted policies to regulate AI use in mental health. California and New York have implemented safeguards to direct users to crisis services, while Illinois has banned AI as a form of therapy altogether. Experts like Halpern advocate for national laws to audit AI companies for mental health safety risks, ensuring that young people are protected as they navigate these new technologies.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
