Young people are using AI for mental health support
For months, the news has been inundated with studies showing the high rates of AI use by young people, sometimes with tragic consequences . The urgency to put protective measures in place is palpable. Recently, I previewed longitudinal research results The Trevor Project is preparing to release this fall. It shows that AI use is particularly pronounced among LGBTQ+ youth: 53% of LGBTQ+ youth…
The Trevor Project, a leading suicide prevention organization, has released research indicating that a significant portion of LGBTQ+ youth are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) platforms for mental health support. According to the study, 53% of LGBTQ+ youth surveyed have engaged with AI platforms at least occasionally, with nearly half using AI for friendship or someone to talk to, and 40% using it for mental health support.
Notably, LGBTQ+ youth of color are more than three times as likely to seek mental health support through AI compared to their white counterparts, with 49% of LGBTQ+ youth of color turning to AI for mental health support compared to 20% of white youth. As AI use among LGBTQ+ youth increases, The Trevor Project and other youth-focused organizations must also prioritize ensuring the safe use of these technologies.
This requires setting aside personal skepticism or ethical concerns, understanding the growing role of AI in the lives of younger generations, and focusing on immediate action to protect the mental well-being and safety of LGBTQ+ youth.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
