Study Links AI Chatbot Use to Emotional Problems in Youth

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 1, 2026

A study of nearly 40,000 students in Ontario found that those using AI chatbots for emotional support exhibited significantly higher rates of emotional distress, especially among girls, gender-diverse youth, and racialized groups. Experts warn that relying on AI for mental health guidance may replace vital human support and urge supervision, education, and clinical involvement to prevent potential harm.

A recent study has identified a concerning association between the use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for emotional support and increased emotional problems among children and adolescents. The research, published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics, surveyed nearly 40,000 students in grades 4 through 12 in Ontario, Canada, focusing on their engagement with generative AI for affective purposes such as seeking advice or emotional guidance related to friends and family.

According to the findings, more than 21% of participants reported using AI chatbots for emotional support. These students showed significantly higher emotional problem scores, with nearly double the likelihood of experiencing clinically significant distress symptoms compared to those who did not use chatbots for these purposes. The study noted that the connection between AI use and emotional difficulties was particularly pronounced among girls, gender-diverse youth, and students from Black, Indigenous, and other racialized backgrounds.

Experts not involved in the study expressed concern over these trends. Dr. Consuelo Cagande, division director for child and adolescent psychiatry at Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital and Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New York, described the reliance on AI chatbots for emotional support as “very concerning,” rating the issue as a 10 out of 10 in terms of seriousness. She highlighted that young people may be substituting traditional social interactions and well-established treatment models with AI-based tools, which currently lack safeguards, clinical oversight, or crisis intervention mechanisms.

The research also uncovered that users of AI chatbots for emotional reasons often reported feelings of loneliness and a perception that they do not “matter” to others. However, even when these factors were accounted for, the association between chatbot use and emotional distress remained strong. Dr. Cagande suggested that fear of judgment may deter some youths from seeking help from people, driving them toward AI alternatives.

Addressing these concerns, Dr. Cagande emphasized the importance of supervision and education focused on digital literacy and responsible use of AI, given the potential for misinformation. She also warned that some children and teens might conceal their chatbot use for emotional issues. Importantly, she advised that generative AI should not serve as the primary resource for addressing mental health concerns but rather as a supplemental tool. In cases where children interact with AI chatbots about mental health, she recommended that they share the information received with clinicians rather than relying solely on the AI’s advice.

Mental health professionals, educators, and guidance counselors in schools remain critical as the first line of support for young people facing emotional challenges. The study's findings come amid growing debates over AI regulation, with the European Union recently banning certain health-related AI technologies, while the United States continues to work toward comprehensive federal rules governing artificial intelligence.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.