A recent study suggests that the use of AI chatbots for emotional support may be associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety.

A study conducted by researchers at Mass General Brigham, which involved 20,847 adults in the U.S., showed that more and more people are using AI chatbots not only for productivity but also for advice, emotional support, and companionship. Almost 87.1% of daily users interact with AI for personal reasons, and those who use these technologies reported moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability, especially among those aged 45 to 64. Researchers emphasize that the study does not demonstrate that AI causes depression, but suggests a correlation. This may indicate a vicious cycle, where emotional vulnerability and AI usage reinforce each other. Additionally, a "dose-response" pattern was observed: the more frequent the use of AI for personal reasons, the more intense the reported symptoms were. The study warns that general chatbots should not replace professional support. While interactions with AI can be beneficial for some, the risk arises when they are used to fill gaps in emotional connection or mental health care. Researchers encourage users to be aware of the frequency of their interactions with AI and their impact on their emotional state.