Nearly half of severely distressed generative AI users turn to chatbots for emotional support, study finds
A new study has found that almost one in three Israeli adults surveyed who use generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools reported seeking emotional support, coping advice or mental health assistance from platforms such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Among users experiencing severe psychological distress, that figure rose to nearly one in two, according to researchers from Tel-Hai University of Kiryat…
A recent study reveals that nearly half of Israeli adults who frequently use generative artificial intelligence tools, like ChatGPT, seek emotional support, coping advice or mental health assistance from these platforms. Among users experiencing severe psychological distress, this number rises to nearly one in two. Led by researchers from Tel-Hai University of Kiryat Shmona and Bar-Ilan University, the study surveyed 584 Israeli adults aged 18 to 70 who had used a generative AI tool at least once within the past year.
The findings suggest psychological distress is the most strongly associated factor prompting people to turn to AI for emotional support, with younger participants and women being particularly likely to do so. While AI offers immediate, accessible and nonjudgmental interactions, it was not designed to serve as a mental health provider.
The study emphasizes the need to understand both the potential benefits and risks of relying on AI during emotionally vulnerable times, as it functions as a form of informal help-seeking that lacks clinical safeguards.
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