A study from Mass General Brigham published in JAMA Network Open found that people using artificial intelligence chatbots for personal reasons show higher rates of depression and anxiety symptoms compared to those who do not use AI. Researchers surveyed 20,847 participants, with a mean age of 47, about their AI usage and mental health. Among daily AI users, 87.1% reported using the technology for personal reasons including recommendations, advice, or emotional support.
Of all survey participants, 10.3% reported using AI “at least daily” and 5% used it “multiple times per day.” Those using chatbots daily for personal reasons were significantly more likely to experience at least moderate depression, anxiety, and irritability. The researchers observed a “dose response” pattern: the more frequently someone used AI for personal reasons, the stronger their symptoms. Notably, using AI for work or school was not associated with depression symptoms. Users aged 45 to 64 showed the greatest likelihood of reporting depressive symptoms with daily AI use.
Dr. Roy Perlis, a lead author, cautioned that while the study shows an association, not causation, it raises concerns about using general-purpose chatbots not designed for mental health support as substitutes for human connection. “There’s probably a subset of people where AI use is associated with no change in their mood, or even benefit,” Perlis noted, “but that also means there are a subset where AI use is probably associated with worsening of their mood, and for some people, that can be substantially greater levels of depression.” The American Psychological Association advises against using AI as a replacement for therapy and psychological treatment. The study has limitations; it did not identify specific AI programs or define what “personal use” means, and cannot determine whether depression leads people to seek AI for companionship rather than AI use causing depression.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/ai-advice-personal-reasons-linked-depression-anxiety/4337064/