Nearly half of severely distressed generative AI users turn to chatbots for emotional support, study finds

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A study found that some Israeli users of generative AI seek emotional support, coping advice, or mental-health assistance from chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Nearly half of users reporting severe psychological distress said they turned to these tools for support.

A new study has found that almost one in three Israeli adults surveyed who use generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools reported seeking emotional support, coping advice or mental health assistance from platforms such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Among users experiencing severe psychological distress, that figure rose to nearly one in two, according to researchers from Tel-Hai University of Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee and collaborating institutions.