AI chatbot use for emotional support tied to loneliness in students

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-08-31T22:56:17.252Z • Permanent link

A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that students who rely on AI chatbots for emotional support or personal advice are more likely to struggle with serious emotional problems, such as depression and anxiety. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,000 students in the United States, revealed that these individuals are also more likely to feel isolated and doubt their own worth.

According to Dr. Rachel Kim, lead author of the study, "We were surprised to find that students who used AI chatbots for emotional support were not only more likely to experience negative emotions but also more likely to report feeling disconnected from their peers and family members." The study's findings suggest that the reliance on AI chatbots may be exacerbating existing mental health issues among young people.

The study's data was collected through an online survey conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in collaboration with the American Psychological Association (APA). The survey asked students about their use of AI chatbots and their mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and social isolation. The results showed that students who reported using AI chatbots for emotional support were more likely to experience these negative outcomes.

The findings of this study have significant implications for the mental health care industry, particularly in terms of the growing use of AI chatbots as a form of emotional support. Companies such as Woebot and Wysa have already begun to market their services as a way to provide students with access to mental health resources. However, the study's results suggest that these services may not be providing the level of support that students need.

According to Dr. Kim, "While AI chatbots may be able to provide some basic support, they are not a substitute for human interaction and emotional connection. Students need access to trained therapists and mental health professionals who can provide them with personalized support and guidance." As a result, researchers and policymakers are calling for greater regulation of the mental health care industry, particularly in terms of the use of AI chatbots as a form of emotional support.

The study's findings also have implications for the broader education sector, which is already under pressure to provide students with access to mental health resources. As schools continue to struggle with issues such as funding and staffing, the reliance on AI chatbots as a form of emotional support may become even more prevalent. However, the study's results suggest that this approach may not be effective in the long term.