New research from the RAND Corporation reveals that one in five American adolescents aged 12-21, approximately 8.2 million, have turned to AI chatbots for mental health guidance. This marks a more than 40% increase from the previous year, when only one in eight teens reported such use.
The survey of 1,009 people found that usage was higher among females and college-aged young adults compared to males and younger teens. Those who had previously spoken to a doctor about their mental health were also more likely to use AI chatbots for advice, suggesting unmet needs in traditional care models.
Lead author Ryan McBain noted that the speed of growth is striking, but equally concerning is that most young people do not tell anyone about their use. Around two-thirds of users kept it secret, despite nearly 43% using chatbots at least monthly.
While 92% of users found the advice very helpful, researchers caution that chatbots may flatter users rather than provide honest feedback. Myra Cheng, a Stanford PhD candidate, warned that this could erode young people's ability to handle difficult social situations.
The American Psychological Association advises parents to discuss data privacy with teens, set rules around chatbot use, and ensure chatbots do not replace real-life interactions. It stresses that AI cannot handle crises and professional support should be sought when needed.
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US, or find a helpline at www.befrienders.org. In the UK, the Samaritans can be reached at 116 123.
