Turning to AI for health answers may signal anxiety, depression among young adults
Young adults who use generative artificial intelligence to ask health-related questions are more likely to screen positive for clinically significant anxiety and depression than those who do not use AI for health issues, according to a new study led by University of Florida researcher Yusen Zhai.
A new study led by a University of Florida researcher has found that young adults who use generative AI to ask health-related questions are more likely to show signs of clinical anxiety and depression compared to those who do not utilize AI for health concerns. The research, published in the Journal of Counseling & Development, analyzed data from nearly 100,000 young adults and found that the odds of screening positive for anxiety and depression were 52% and 46% higher, respectively, for AI users.
However, the study does not prove that AI use causes anxiety or depression, nor does it suggest that individuals with mental health issues are more inclined to seek health-related answers from AI.
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