More Than Half of Teens Turn to AI When Struggling, New Research Finds

New research examines how adolescents use artificial intelligence and how that use relates to their emotional lives. Drawing on responses from more than 5,500 middle and high school students across 21 U.S. schools, collected between October 2025 and April 2026, it is among the first studies to connect young people's AI use with their mental health, well-being, and history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

The research reports that more than half of students turn to AI when feeling sad, stressed, lonely, or overwhelmed, yet very few consider this a way of getting help. Students also use AI for schoolwork, for relationship or problem-solving advice, and for friendship and companionship.

Certain uses were associated with worse outcomes. The research found links between specific patterns of use and greater symptoms of anxiety and depression, loneliness, and a greater lifetime history of suicidal thoughts and attempts:

• Using AI for homework was associated with higher loneliness and a history of suicidal thoughts.
• Using AI for relationship or problem-solving advice was associated with greater anxiety and depression, loneliness, and a history of suicidal thoughts.
• Using AI for friendship or companionship was associated with greater anxiety and depression, loneliness, and a history of suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Patterns of use differed across groups. Middle schoolers, female students, and many young people from historically marginalised groups were more likely to turn to AI while emotionally struggling. The research stresses that AI cannot replicate the protective benefits of human connection and should never be positioned as a substitute for trusted adults, and that responsible design must recognise distress and connect young people to real support.

This development concerns the Foundation because it points to children leaning on tools that were not built to carry their emotional needs. The original research was reported by The Jed Foundation (JED).