More than half of young people in Colombia have spoken or plan to speak with an AI about their mental health, a university study revealed.
Anxiety, sadness, self-esteem and stress are the topics most consulted by young people who use artificial intelligence as a substitute for a psychologist. A university study carried out in Colombia revealed that this phenomenon is increasing and is generating concern among experts.
The investigation determined that51% of young people have talked or want to talk to an AI about their mental health. Of that total, 26% have already done itwhile another 26% plan to do so in the future.
You may be interested in: The National Police celebrates 134 years of service, security and commitment to Colombia
In that sense, half of those surveyed would be willing to tell a chatbot about their problems.
In dialogue with Bienestar FM, the researcher Hans Steelan expert from the Psychology Program at the Manuela Beltrán University, explained that AI is attractive because “it allows anonymity, reduces the feeling of judgment and is cheaper than a professional.”
What young people are looking for in artificial intelligence
According to the specialist, the use of AI to talk about emotions It does not respond only to a technological fad, but to an emotional need.
“It is becoming a tool that offers immediate proximity to people: does not judge, does not charge, does not require appointments”, he noted.
The study showed that the most consulted topics are how to reduce anxiety in public, manage sadness or academic frustration (19.2%), improve sleep, relaxation or self-esteem (15.7%), and understand the differences between stress, anxiety, sadness and nostalgia (14.7%).
Regarding the level of trust, 37% of young people only follow AI advice if they verify it with a human, 32% You do it if it “sounds logical” and 30% He doesn’t trust the tool and prefers to talk to someone real.
However, 62% of respondents recognize that AI does not understand human emotions and that only simulates them.
According to the analysis, the most mentioned reasons for using this tool were its availability 24/7 and without appointments (17.9%), anonymity (13.6%), low cost or free (13.6%) and curiosity to try it (12.7%). Even so, 73% of those who already used it did so only once or twice, as a quick relief.
The study warns that although AI can be useful as initial support, It is not a substitute for professional intervention. Does not detect clinical severity or suicidal riskcan offer generic or inappropriate advice, and does not provide emotional containment or follow-up.
More information: Unexpected! Bizarrap and Daddy Yankee join forces in collaboration
Finally, experts recommend using these tools just for guidancesince their answers must be contrasted with a health professional and seek human help if symptoms worsen.
The analysis concluded that “artificial intelligence responds, but does not accompany”.
Source: Integrated Information System
