While it can make life easier, some research shows AI may be harmful to your mental health. – More than 65% of people use Artificial Intelligence (AI) on a regular basis in their everyday lives.
And you might not even know you’re using it!
One study found only about 33% of consumers think they are using AI platforms — but the actual usage is 77%!
While it can make life easier, some research shows AI may be harmful to your mental health.
Today, more than 1 in 5 Americans has a mental illness.
“The rates of things like anxiety and depression and burnout have skyrocketed,” said Dr. Emily Anhalt, a psychoanalytic psychologist.
And, it’s also a global issue.
“There’s a 25% increase in mental health problems worldwide,” said Dr. Jodi Halpern, co-director of the Kavli Center for Ethics, Science and the Public School of Public Health at UC Berkeley. “That’s an enormous number when you think of all the people in the world.”
New research suggests AI could be adding to the problem.
In a 2026 study in JAMA Network Open, researchers found AI usage was linked to a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and irritability. Specifically, the odds of moderate depression were 30% higher among those who used AI at least daily.
But the recent trend has been using AI to help with mental illnesses.
People are using chatbots for online therapy in place of real therapists. The pros are that it’s accessible, easy, cheap, and private. But experts warn there’s not enough scientific data or oversight when it comes to AI therapy.
In short, AI shouldn’t be a substitute for therapy with a real person.
“If what you’re getting is an artificial relationship, then what you’re getting is artificial healing,” Anhalt says.
Earlier this year, character.ai and Google settled multiple lawsuits alleging that their chatbots contributed to mental health crises and suicides among teenagers.
“Technology is a good thing, but everything needs to be used in a way that cares about people,” Halpern said.
Resources
Here is a list of mental health resources available in Florida.
- UF Health St. Johns Behavioral Health Resource Center - open 24/7 with clinicians on staff and available to assist during a crisis. No appointment is needed.
- EPIC Behavioral Health Rapid Response Team – 24/7 service for individuals 26+, dial 988, and a response will occur within 60 minutes of the request.
- EPIC Access Support Center – Walk-in services for mental health at their North Campus, Northwest Campus, and Flagler Campus. If this service is needed, walk-in during hours or call (904) 495-7001.
- Mobile Response Team – 24/7 service for individuals 5-25 years old. Dial 988 or 911 and a response will occur within 60 minutes of the request.
- Vinson Foundation - A support group for St. Johns, Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, and Orange Park, for families who lost someone to suicide.
- St. Augustine Youth Services: 904-829-1770
- Call 211 - Local experts are available 24/7 to help. Calls to 211 are confidential and can be anonymous.
- Hope for Healing Florida - Hope for Healing navigates the many ways Floridians can access help for mental health and substance abuse
These resources can be accessed nationwide.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988 for help. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or someone you know.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides resources for issues with mental health, drugs, or alcohol.
- Veterans Crisis Line - Text 838255 or call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
- Crisis Text Line - Text “Home” to 741741
- Teen Line - Text “Teen” to 839863
If you or anyone you know needs help, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.