Nearly 40% of adolescents use ChatGPT for mental health support, study finds

A new study from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) reveals that nearly 40% of adolescents aged 16–19 have used ChatGPT to manage mental health concerns. The research, published in the Journal of Public Health, surveyed 500 people aged 16–90 in Catalonia and found that young people turn to the AI for immediate, judgment-free support Source: lavanguardia.

Key findings

• 64% of all users consulted ChatGPT for stress, anxiety, or general worries; 53.5% for relationship problems; and 51.2% for personal growth Source: lavanguardia.
• Most users do not seek a diagnosis but rather to organize thoughts (53.5%), gain perspective (61.6%), or learn emotional regulation strategies (73.3%) Source: listindiario, infobae.
• 55.8% found it moderately or highly helpful, while 38.4% said it helped occasionally Source: lavanguardia.

The appeal and risks

"Para muchos jóvenes, 'conversar' con ChatGPT es más sencillo que ir al psicólogo," says researcher Anna Huguet, citing its 24/7 availability, cost-free access, and lack of judgment Source: listindiario. However, both Huguet and co-author Llorenç Díaz stress that ChatGPT is not a substitute for professional therapy and should be used critically Source: infobae. Users also worry about reliability and confidentiality of their data.

Not a replacement

Researchers documented cases of using the AI for heartbreak and grief, but caution that it cannot replace a healthcare professional. "Los resultados sugieren que ChatGPT puede actuar como un recurso complementario y de primer acceso," Huguet adds Source: listindiario. The study notes that over half of users said ChatGPT influenced their decision to seek professional help, but the researchers emphasize the need for clear guidelines on when to transition to human care.