In recent times, Artificial intelligence has become part and parcel of many people, and most of these are youths. They turn to AI Chatbots for mental health support and this in turn raises concerns that include emotional dependence and potential harm.

AI use among the youth

According to a study posted by Ryan K. McBrian and his colleagues on rand.org on Jan 3 2026, the use of AI chatbots for mental health advice in the US among young adults and adolescents rose by more than 40% over the past year, reflecting a high dependency on AI among the youths. Young people find it easier to seek advice from chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini when feeling sad, angry, anxious or stressed. The use of AI for mental health related issues has contributed to the immense mental crisis not only in the US, but also across the world.

Drawbacks of using AI for mental health advice

While a majority of young people believe that the advice they get is somewhat or very helpful, this might not be the case. Use of AI chatbots comes with its drawbacks. The first problem is that AI chatbots do not possess real knowledge, but rather predict text based on internet data. This means that it ignores a person’s unique personal history and background while giving advice. The other drawback is that they create artificial empathy and hence a false sense of trust. There is also the issue of privacy and data risks. Discussing one’s highly sensitive psychological struggles means sharing private data with tech companies who are not bound by strict healthcare laws.

Navigating AI risks in dealing with mental health issues

There is a need to navigate the use of AI for emotional support in this digital area so that its advantages can outperform its disadvantages. The first thing is that it is important for young people not to treat AI as a primary care tool. They can do this by using AI for low-stakes needs e.g., building habits and exercises. This means they will use the tools only for light needs, and rely on humans for serious issues like depression, trauma and suicidal thoughts. Parents and guardians also need to have open conversations with their children about AI use and encourage balancing with real-world connections. Clinicians need to integrate questions on AI use into assessments in order to get a better understanding of what they are dealing with. Another effective method would be to teach young people to question AI responses and to compare with reliable sources. Furthermore, they should limit personal details shared with the chatbots.

Final word

It is essential for youths to understand that AI does not eliminate the need for human connection, expertise and community. It only acts as a bridge and booster rather than the best solution.