HEALTHCHICAGO SUN-TIMES
AI can't provide comfort to teens in need
A 2025 University of Chicago survey found 72% of American teens used AI chatbots as companions, with some seeking emotional support. However, AI systems like ChatGPT have been shown to provide harmful advice on self-harm and suicide, prompting calls for teens to seek human connections instead.
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Adjacent reporting
- New research raises concerns over teens using AI for mental health support
- Study finds 1 in 5 youths is using AI chatbots for mental health advice
- Around 1 in 5 young people use AI chatbots for mental health advice, survey finds
- Hawley champions GUARD Act as heartbroken families say AI chatbots allegedly pushed teens to self-harm
- Hawley champions GUARD Act as heartbroken families say AI chatbots allegedly pushed teens to self-harm
- Most US teens say TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat aren't hurting (or helping) their mental health