The emotional landscape of grief can be overwhelming, especially for young people experiencing loss for the first time. In a poignant example, Melissa, an 18-year-old student from north London, turned to ChatGPT for support following the death of her grandfather. Struggling to process her feelings and hesitant to discuss her emotions with friends, she sought solace from the AI chatbot.
Melissa expressed her confusion about grief, stating, “I asked Chat if it was normal not to feel anything, or if the feelings come after.” The AI reassured her that her experience was valid, offering her comfort in a moment of uncertainty. This situation reflects a growing trend among young individuals seeking mental health support through technology.
Recent findings from the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) reveal that one in four young people have turned to AI chatbots for mental health assistance. The YEF surveyed 11,000 children aged 13 to 17 across England and Wales. Among the key statistics, 25% of teens reported a diagnosis of at least one mental health or neurodevelopmental condition, while another 21% suspected they had a condition without a formal diagnosis. Alarmingly, over half (53%) of the surveyed teens utilized some form of online mental health support in the past year, with a quarter opting for AI chatbots.
Young individuals like Melissa appreciate the convenience and accessibility of AI support. She stated, “If I want advice at 2am, it’s easier to go to Chat than wake them up.” This sentiment highlights a growing reliance on technology to meet emotional needs, particularly when traditional avenues for support, such as school counselling, involve lengthy wait times.
Melissa shared a specific instance where ChatGPT provided her with advice that helped mend a potential rift in her friendship. “I was once really close to falling out with one of my good friends, so I went to Chat and said, ‘I don’t know what to do, can you help me?’ Chat gave me good advice, and it worked – we’re still friends.” This demonstrates the practical role AI can play in offering immediate, albeit informal, emotional support.
The demand for mental health services for young people has surged significantly, with referrals tripling from 40,000 to 120,000 in the past year. Therapists often manage caseloads of up to 25 clients weekly, which strains resources. As traditional mental health systems grapple with these challenges, the role of AI as a first point of contact is under scrutiny.
While the concept of automated therapy is not new—dating back to the creation of the AI therapist Eliza by MIT researchers in 1967—current generative AI technologies offer a new frontier. Supporters argue that these chatbots may learn from interactions between therapists and clients, providing a level of support in areas where mental health services are scarce. Conversely, critics warn that unregulated AI tools may inadvertently aggravate mental health issues.
Dr. Michael Swift, a spokesperson for the British Psychological Society, acknowledged the trend highlighted by the YEF. He mentioned, “Adolescents are sensitive to perceived criticism, rejection and authority, and AI offers a non-reactive, endlessly patient listener.” This aspect makes AI an appealing option for young people navigating complex emotions.
Nevertheless, Dr. Swift expressed concerns about the limitations of chatbots in addressing sensitive personal issues, emphasizing that they cannot replace trained professionals. He compared their function to that of diaries or advice columns used by previous generations, serving as a “psychologically compelling first port of call.”
Understanding this trend reveals a critical insight: young people are seeking accessible, responsive, and non-judgmental support. “Young people want support that is accessible, responsive and non-judgemental – qualities that evidence-based mental health services must continue to prioritize if they are to remain relevant and trusted,” Dr. Swift added.
Youth violence and mental health researcher Hanna Jones highlighted the unique challenges faced by today’s youth. “Today’s generations are the most misunderstood that we’ve ever seen,” she stated, noting their experiences growing up in an era dominated by the internet and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The rise of social media, climate change anxiety, and youth violence are significant stressors for young people. Jones noted that those who have experienced serious violence are often more inclined to seek support through AI platforms due to a lack of trust in traditional systems.
Melissa’s experience underscores this reality; she has not only utilized ChatGPT for herself but also encouraged her partner to do so when she is unavailable. “If I were to line up my friends and tell them, open their phone, I promise you, every single one has ChatGPT,” she remarked.
As the landscape of mental health support continues to evolve, the increasing adoption of AI chatbots raises important questions about accessibility, efficacy, and the future of mental health care for young people. The experiences of individuals like Melissa highlight both the benefits and limitations of leveraging technology in emotional support, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to mental health resources in an increasingly digital world.
