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Teens Turn to AI for Mental Health Amidst Crisis
9 Dec
Summary
- A quarter of UK teens used AI for mental health support recently.
- Teens affected by serious violence more likely to use AI.
- Experts and NHS warn AI may give harmful mental health advice.
New research indicates a significant trend of young people in the UK seeking mental health support from AI chatbots, with one in four teenagers aged 13-16 having used them in the last year. Over half of surveyed teenagers utilized some form of online mental health support. The study highlights that young individuals affected by serious violence, whether as victims or perpetrators, are disproportionately more likely to engage with AI for assistance.
Concerns are mounting among charity leaders and health officials regarding the safety and efficacy of AI chatbots for mental health care. They emphasize that these AI tools may offer inadequate or even harmful advice, especially for serious conditions. The charity Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) suggests AI's anonymity might appeal to struggling youth, but warns against losing the crucial element of human empathy and understanding.
Official bodies like the NHS have urged young people to avoid using AI chatbots as a substitute for professional therapy. Experts caution that these platforms are not equipped to handle complex mental health issues and could potentially exacerbate symptoms. The rise of 'AI therapy' among teenagers is viewed as a worrying development, underscoring a critical need for accessible and reliable human support systems for youth mental health.
