AI Chatbots Spark Mental‑Health Concerns and Calls for Regulation

A global survey of 19,000 adults in 18 countries found that 61% use AI chatbots for mental‑health issues, with usage exceeding 80% in some Asian nations. About 26% of respondents reported severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress, and many rely on chatbots for advice—42% say they almost always follow the recommendations, 38% trust the bots more than human professionals, and 28% admit the advice has led to harmful behaviour.

In New Jersey, a poll of 1,568 adults showed that nearly six in ten support state regulation of AI chatbots that provide mental‑health guidance. The study noted that roughly one in six U.S. adults use such tools, and incidents involving ChatGPT have been linked to suicides. While three‑quarters of AI users in the state favor regulation, New Jersey currently has no specific rules governing AI‑based mental‑health services.