Teenagers Turn to Chatbots for Mental Health Advice
AI chatbots are being used for mental health advice by one in four teenagers, a survey has found.
The survey by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) included nearly 11,000 respondents between the ages of 13 and 17.
The YEF said the appeal of chatbots lay in their ability to provide instant, anonymous support at any time of day, which could feel easier and safer than speaking to a professional.
However, the findings also raised important questions about the reliability and safety of the technology in addressing mental health problems.
Jon Yates, YEF chief executive, said: “Too many young people are struggling with their mental health and can’t get the support they need. It’s no surprise that some are turning to technology for help. We have to do better for our children, especially those most at risk. They need a human, not a bot.”
Vocabulary
mental health advice – suggestions or guidance to help someone deal with their feelings, stress, or emotional well-being, “The school counselor gives excellent mental health advice to students who feel overwhelmed before exams.”
respondents – the people who answer questions in a survey or a poll, “More than half of the respondents said they prefer shopping online rather than in stores.”
instant, anonymous support – help that is given immediately and without requiring the person to share their name or identity, “The online text line offers instant, anonymous support for teenagers who need someone to talk to.”
reliability – how trustworthy, accurate, or dependable something is, “Many parents are worried about the reliability of medical information found on social media.”
struggling with – having a very difficult time dealing with a problem or a hard situation, “My little brother is struggling with his math homework, so I am going to help him.”
turning to – going to a person, place, or thing to get help or advice, “When I am feeling stressed, I enjoy turning to music to help me relax.”
most at risk – facing the highest danger of being hurt, harmed, or affected by a bad situation, “People who do not know how to swim are most at risk when riding on a boat.”