The emotional toll of losing a loved one can be overwhelming, as experienced by an 18-year-old student from north London named Melissa. Following the death of her grandfather, Melissa found herself grappling with feelings of confusion and uncertainty. Unsure of how to process her emotions, she turned to the AI chatbot ChatGPT for support.
Melissa’s situation reflects a broader trend among young people seeking mental health resources. According to a recent report by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), approximately 25% of teenagers have utilized AI chatbots for mental health assistance. This statistic emerges from a survey of 11,000 children aged 13 to 17 across England and Wales. Alarmingly, the report also revealed that over half of these teens—53%—have sought some form of online mental health support within the past year.
Feeling isolated in her grief, Melissa expressed her reluctance to discuss her emotions with friends and the lengthy wait for access to a school counselor. “I asked Chat if it was normal not to feel anything, or if the feelings come after,” she shared. ChatGPT reassured her, affirming that her experience was typical and that she was not alone.
The accessibility of AI chatbots like ChatGPT offers a compelling alternative for young individuals in need of immediate support. “If I want advice at 2 a.m., it’s easier to go to Chat than wake them up,” Melissa explained. This convenience alleviates the pressure of seeking help from friends or family, allowing users to seek guidance without fear of judgment.
In a notable interaction, Melissa recalled a moment of conflict with a friend, where ChatGPT provided her with valuable advice that ultimately preserved their relationship. “Chat gave me good advice and it worked—we’re still friends,” she stated.
The YEF’s findings underscore a significant concern: many young people with diagnosed mental health conditions are not receiving adequate support. The number of monthly referrals for young people’s mental health services has tripled from 40,000 in 2016 to approximately 120,000 in the past year. Therapists often manage caseloads of up to 25 clients weekly, highlighting the strain on mental health resources.
AI’s Role in Mental Health Support
The concept of automated therapy is not entirely new. The first artificial psychotherapist, known as Eliza, was developed by MIT researchers in 1967, allowing users to input their thoughts and receive prompts for further reflection. Proponents of generative AI argue that these tools can learn from interactions between therapists and patients, potentially offering support in areas where mental health services are scarce, such as rural communities.
Despite the potential benefits, concerns persist regarding the efficacy of unregulated AI tools. Dr. Michael Swift, a spokesperson for the British Psychological Society, expressed skepticism about whether widely available chatbots can effectively address sensitive personal issues. He emphasized that while these tools may serve as a useful first step for many, they do not replace the nuanced care provided by trained professionals. “Much like diaries, online forums, or advice columns have been for previous generations, they offer a psychologically compelling first port of call,” he said.
Dr. Swift cautioned against the possibility of young people relying solely on AI for emotional support, warning that this trend may lead to increased isolation. He noted, “The opportunity, however, is to recognize what this trend reveals: young people want support that is accessible, responsive, and non-judgmental—qualities that evidence-based mental health services must continue to prioritize.”
Challenges Facing Today’s Youth
The mental health landscape for young people is increasingly complex. Researcher Hanna Jones highlighted that today’s youth face unique challenges stemming from their upbringing in a digital age and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. “They’ve grown up on the internet and through Covid and learned how to build connections online, so actually struggle doing that in person,” she noted.
Social media, climate change anxiety, and youth violence are additional factors contributing to the mental health crisis among adolescents. The YEF report indicates that young individuals who have experienced significant violence—whether as victims or perpetrators—are more likely to seek support from AI platforms. Jones explained that many of these individuals come from backgrounds that have eroded their trust in traditional support systems, leading them to seek acceptance in alternative avenues.
Melissa’s experience mirrors this sentiment. She has even encouraged her partner to utilize ChatGPT for guidance when she is unavailable. “If I were to line up my friends and tell them to open their phones, I promise you every single one has ChatGPT,” she said, highlighting the widespread acceptance of AI among her peers.
As the demand for mental health support continues to rise, the integration of technology into emotional care presents both challenges and opportunities. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the use of AI in mental health underscores the need for accessible, responsive services that can effectively meet the needs of today’s young people.
