📰 Full Story
A nationally representative RAND survey published June 1 in JAMA Pediatrics found that about 19% of US adolescents and young adults — an estimated 8.2 million people — have used AI chatbots (eg, ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Character.AI) for mental health advice, up from roughly 13% in 2024.
The November 2025 survey of roughly 1,000 respondents reported 42.8% of users engaged at least monthly and 5.8% daily or near-daily.
Most users rated chatbot advice as helpful (about 91.7%), yet 63% had not told anyone about their use.
The study identified disparities: girls and young women and older teens were more likely to use chatbots, and Black youth who used chatbots were more likely to engage monthly.
Researchers and outside experts warn chatbots are unregulated and can give inappropriate or dangerous guidance in crises; prior testing found many bots failed to offer adequate suicide-safe responses.
The authors note chatbots may act alongside formal care but stress the need to better understand safety, equity and clinical implications.
🔗 Based On
NBC News Top StoriesAround 1 in 5 young people use AI chatbots for mental health advice, survey finds
The American Journal of Managed CareAI Chatbot Use for Mental Health Advice Rises Sharply Among US Youth, With Key Disparities Identified








💬 Commentary