Recent studies have raised significant concerns regarding the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on the mental health of adolescents and young adults. As these individuals increasingly turn to technology for support, understanding their interactions with AI becomes crucial.
The reports—crafted by Youth Futures, a nonprofit committed to promoting the well-being of youth in the age of AI, Surgo Health, a public benefit corporation focused on healthcare access, and the JED Foundation, which works on emotional health and suicide prevention—delve into critical subjects impacting K-12 educators as AI usage in schools rises.
Survey data from 1,340 participants aged 13 to 24 underpins both reports.
The first report, Youth Mental Health in the AI Era: Why Context Matters More Than Technology, identifies six distinct ways in which young people engage with AI. While most leverage it for learning and personal growth, around 9% are categorized as “emotionally entangled superusers,” who rely on AI for emotional support amidst their vulnerability.
The second report, Youth Mental Health in the AI Era: How GenAI Enters Help-Seeking Pathways, reveals that many young individuals experiencing mental health challenges actively utilize GenAI as a coping mechanism. Interestingly, those who engage with GenAI for mental health issues are often those facing obstacles in accessing quality professional care.
“Young people are diverse, and their interactions with AI reflect a myriad of factors including their relationships, stressors, and access to supportive adults,” stated Kristine Gloria, COO and co-founder of Youth Futures, in a press release that accompanied the findings.
AI Engagement: From Skeptics to Everyday Users
The first report delineates various “personas” representing teens and young adults’ relationships with GenAI, ranging from skeptics to daily users who find it beneficial.
The chart below categorizes eight distinct AI user personas along with the corresponding percentages of young people in each group.
The following statistics from the first report shed light on how frequently teens and young adults are engaging with GenAI.
The Significance of Usage Patterns Among Teens and Young Adults
The second report—“Youth Mental Health in the AI Era: How GenAI Enters Help-Seeking Pathways”—emphasizes a smaller cohort of individuals who contend with mental health issues and utilize AI as a resource.
“Many young individuals are resorting to general-purpose AI tools to navigate their mental health challenges, especially when facing barriers to proper care,” remarked Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, chief medical officer at the JED Foundation, in the press release. “These tools were not originally intended for this function and frequently serve as ends rather than gateways to support.”
The chart below categorizes how various demographics, including gender, race, and economic status, interact with GenAI for mental health assistance.
The statistics below highlight the interactions between those experiencing mental health challenges and their use of GenAI, illustrating that those with limited parental support tend to engage with GenAI more than those who do.
In conclusion, the evolving relationship between young individuals and AI poses pressing questions about mental health and support systems. As technology becomes an integral part of their lives, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI is essential for fostering healthier outcomes for future generations.
