United KingdomA study conducted by the University of Ottawa involving 39,761 students in grades 4 through 12 across four Ontario school boards found that students who used AI chatbots for emotional support or personal advice were more likely to experience serious emotional problems, increased loneliness, and a reduced sense of being valued by others. Approximately 21% of students reported using AI for emotional needs, with higher rates observed among older students and racialized/gender-diverse youth. The research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, noted that while AI use for schoolwork did not directly cause emotional distress, frequent use for emotional purposes correlated with a 26% higher likelihood of clinical-level emotional difficulties. Researchers emphasized that AI usage in this context may indicate a need for more human connection rather than causation, urging educators and caregivers to engage in open conversations with students about their AI use.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of the study's findings without overtly promoting a specific ideological stance. It reports on the correlation between AI use for emotional support and mental health outcomes without taking a clear position on the role of technology in education or mental健康
