Millions of young people ask AI chatbots for mental health help. A doctor explains the pros and cons | CNN

When today’s teenagers and young adults are struggling emotionally, some are turning not only to friends, family members and therapists but also to artificial intelligence. Nearly 1 in 5 adolescents and young adults have used AI chatbots for advice or help when they felt upset, nervous or anxious, according to a new study published June 1 in JAMA Pediatrics. Researchers also found that many of these young people use chatbots repeatedly and consider the advice helpful, suggesting that AI is already becoming part of the mental health information ecosystem for millions of young people. Those insights are raising important questions about how these tools should be used and where their limitations lie. To help us untangle these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner and is the mother of two young children. CNN: What did this new study discover about why so many young people are turning to AI chatbots for support? Dr. Leana Wen: This study surveyed 1,009 adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 21 across the United States

Jun 11, 2026 → Jun 11, 2026