Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming part of how people manage their emotional well-being, particularly among younger generations. A study published in the Journal of Public Health found that many users rely on ChatGPT as a first point of support for everyday emotional concerns rather than as a substitute for professional mental health care.
The research analyzed responses from 500 people between the ages of 16 and 90. According to the findings, participants most commonly used the chatbot to clarify their thoughts, learn coping strategies and gain a broader perspective on personal challenges before making decisions or confronting stressful situations.
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Anna Huguet, a researcher in the Department of Psychology at Rovira i Virgili University (URV), said many young people find it easier to talk to ChatGPT than to visit a psychologist. She explained that the platform offers immediate responses, is available around the clock, can be accessed free of charge and allows users to express themselves without fear of being judged.
The study focused exclusively on ChatGPT and was conducted about a year ago. Llorenç Díaz, a master’s student in General Health Psychology who participated in the research, suggested that if the study were repeated today, an even greater percentage of people would likely report using ChatGPT or other AI tools for similar purposes.
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The researchers stress that ChatGPT was not designed to provide therapy and has not been clinically validated as a mental health resource. Huguet emphasized that it should never replace a qualified healthcare professional, regardless of the nature of the emotional issue.
She added that the technology can be helpful when users approach its responses critically. Problems arise, she said, when people accept AI-generated answers as unquestionable facts without evaluating or verifying the information.
Beyond everyday stress and anxiety, some participants reported using ChatGPT to discuss sadness, low mood, insomnia, loneliness, traumatic experiences, addictions and even self-harming behaviors, although these topics were less common.
Support for Everyday Emotional Challenges
The study also documented individual experiences. One young man from Tarragona described using ChatGPT after a difficult breakup, discussing his emotions and asking whether he should contact his former partner. He compared the experience to talking with a trusted friend who was always available to listen.
Researchers also cited the case of another participant who used ChatGPT while coping with grief following the loss of a loved one. According to Díaz, the individual found the conversations helpful in processing those emotions.
Based on the findings, the research team concluded that ChatGPT may serve as a complementary and easily accessible resource for addressing everyday emotional concerns, particularly among adolescents and young adults. However, they also identified two recurring concerns among users: the reliability of AI-generated responses and uncertainty about how personal conversations and data are stored or protected.
Díaz said the growing use of AI for emotional conversations highlights the need to educate users about both the capabilities and the limitations of these technologies, making clear when professional mental health support is necessary.