"One student told me that ChatGPT was 'better' than any therapist they had ever seen: more supportive, more validating and more comforting. Several students described friends who were in what they called 'romantic relationships' with AI."
"Recent surveys show the use of AI for mental health support is not rare and in fact is growing quickly. For example, one survey found that more than 13 percent of adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 21 have already used generative AI for mental health advice."
"Major chatbots routinely miss warning signs of mental health distress and foster misplaced trust, including through use of an empathetic tone. They prioritize engagement over safety."
Students from the University of Tennessee system express reliance on AI for mental health support, with some claiming AI is more comforting than therapists. Reports indicate that 30-40% of peers use AI for companionship, and over 13% of adolescents have sought mental health advice from generative AI. While many find this advice helpful, research shows chatbots often miss critical mental health warning signs and prioritize engagement over safety, leading to misplaced trust among users.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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