LONDON: Nearly half of young people in Europe are turning to artificial intelligence chatbots to discuss personal and emotional issues, according to a new survey that highlights growing mental health concerns among younger generations.
The survey, conducted by Ipsos BVA and commissioned by France’s privacy watchdog CNIL and insurer Groupe VYV, found that 51 percent of respondents considered it “easy” to discuss mental health or intimate issues with AI chatbots.
By comparison, only 49 percent said they found it easy to speak with healthcare professionals, while just 37 percent felt comfortable discussing such matters with psychologists.
The research surveyed 3,800 people aged between 11 and 25 across France, Germany, Sweden and Ireland in early 2026.
Friends and family remained the most trusted sources of support, with 68 percent saying they could easily talk to friends and 61 percent saying the same about parents.
Emotional companions
However, the survey showed that AI tools are increasingly being viewed as emotional companions due to their constant availability and non-judgmental responses. More than three in five respondents described AI as a “life adviser” or a “confidant”.
The findings also pointed to rising mental health concerns among young people, with around 28 percent meeting the threshold for suspected generalised anxiety disorder.
Experts, however, warned against relying too heavily on chatbots for emotional care.
Ludwig Franke Föyen from Stockholm’s Karolinska Institutet said AI systems can produce convincing responses but are not designed to replace human relationships or professional treatment.
“AI can offer information and support, but it should not replace human relationships or professional care,” he said.
He added that dependence on chatbots instead of real human interaction could increase feelings of isolation among vulnerable users.
