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

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

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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.

The study, published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, examined how attachment styles and psychological distress relate to the use of general-purpose generative AI for mental health support.

Led by Dr. Dorit Hadar Shoval of the School of Psychology at Tel-Hai University of Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee, together with Elad Refoua of Bar-Ilan University, the researchers surveyed 584 Israeli adults, aged 18 to 70, who had used a general-purpose generative AI tool such as ChatGPT at least once within the previous year.

Participants were recruited in November 2025 through an online panel, and the figures describe this sample rather than the general population. Overall, 29.3% reported using AI at least once for emotional support, coping advice or mental health-related assistance. Among participants with severe levels of psychological distress, 47% reported such use.

The findings suggest that psychological distress is the psychological variable most strongly associated with turning to AI for support. Younger participants and women were also significantly more likely to report using AI for mental health-related purposes.


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