Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become part of everyday life, but relying on it for emotional support or personal guidance could have negative effects.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that using AI for emotional support may increase risks of depression and anxiety.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham surveyed 20,847 U.S. residents, mostly white men and women, about their AI usage and mental health. The findings showed that nearly 87.1% of participants used AI for personal recommendations, advice, or emotional support.
Dr. Roy Perlis, the lead author, noted that most AI interaction occurs through chatbots, and daily users relying on AI for personal reasons were more likely to experience moderate anxiety and depression.
Participants aged 45–64 reported issues such as trouble concentrating, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite over the previous two weeks.
While chatbots designed specifically for mental health support may offer some benefits, general-purpose AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok, or Gemini could be problematic. Experts caution that AI should never replace therapy or professional mental health treatment.