Nearly one in two young Europeans have used AI chatbots for intimate discussions, according to an Ipsos BVA survey released on Tuesday. Of the 3,800 surveyed individuals aged 11-25 across France, Germany, Sweden, and Ireland, 51% found it easy to discuss mental health issues with a chatbot.
This preference was higher than that of healthcare professionals (49%) or psychologists (37%). However, people close by were still at the top, with 68% finding it easy to discuss issues with friends and 61% with parents. The survey also highlighted growing concerns over young people’s mental health, with about 28% meeting the threshold for suspected generalized anxiety disorder.
The findings underscore a rising reliance on AI tools among this demographic, with more than three in five users describing them as “life advisers” or “confidants”. However, experts warn against over-reliance on chatbots for emotional support due to their limitations in detecting human emotions and providing safe care.