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Teens Turn to AI for Emotional Support as BMJ Experts Urge Clinical Screening

A new U.S. survey finds 13.1% of 12–21-year-olds seek advice from chatbots during emotional distress.

El ChatGPT es un chatbot de IA que utiliza modelos de lenguaje para comprender y generar texto de forma conversacional, como si hablaras con una persona real. / Frank Rumpenhorst / DPA
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Overview

  • Researchers estimate roughly 5.4 million U.S. youths have asked tools like ChatGPT, Gemini or My AI for help when feeling sad, angry or nervous.
  • Among those users, 65.5% consult chatbots at least monthly and 92.7% describe the guidance as somewhat or very useful.
  • Experts writing in The BMJ warn of emotional attachments to systems lacking human empathy and recommend clinicians screen for problematic chatbot use, including during holiday periods.
  • The commentary calls for empirical studies, clinical competencies and regulatory frameworks to assess risks, manage dependence and prioritize long-term wellbeing over engagement metrics.
  • Context from public health authorities highlights widespread loneliness in younger cohorts, and additional surveys report some adolescents prefer AI companions for serious conversations.