In 2024, 35% of Americans used AI chatbots for psychological support, rising to 55% among those aged 18-29, according to a YouGov survey of 1,500 people. Half cited ease of access as the main reason, while 41% pointed to anonymity and 38% to the lack of judgmental responses.
However, interactions with AI bots, which users describe as showing “human-like sensitivity,” are affecting social lives and mental well-being, according to recent studies by OpenAI and MIT.
Mental health experts state that AI cannot replace psychotherapists.
A small portion of participants in OpenAI’s study reported viewing ChatGPT as a “friendly presence” and preferring it over talking to a person. According to MIT’s study, the more emotionally attached and trusting users were toward AI bots, the greater loneliness they reported, along with increased emotional dependence on AI.
Mental health experts state that AI cannot replace psychotherapists, as the therapeutic relationship relies on human connection. However, some researchers note that because AI has been trained on texts with complex characters, such as Shakespeare’s works, it may provide some support for emotional issues users raise.
