Young Canadians are leaning more on generative artificial intelligence tools for mental health support, a new report says.
One in three young Canadians, say they regularly use generative AI tools at least once a month to try to support their mental health, a survey by Canadian mental health network Jack.org said on Friday.
Among those who use these tools, nearly half say they have not shared their use of AI chatbots for mental health with anyone. Three out of five said they use these tools to navigate specific situations, most commonly social relationships including friendships, romantic relationships, and family dynamics.
Many also use AI to seek advice on how to navigate academic challenges and learn self-care strategies.
While most (41 per cent) they use AI like any other online tool, such as Google, around 18 per cent said they use it like a personal journal to process and organize their thoughts.
For 11 per cent, it feels like “talking to a real person who understands me” while another 11 per cent said they are not sure how to describe the experience.
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“If we want to support young people, we need to understand how these tools are affecting them and have open conversations about it. We don’t want them to feel like they have to figure this all out alone,” Michael Braithwaite, president and CEO of Jack.org.
Generative AI tools and LLMs shouldn’t be used as a replacement for a human therapist, said Dr. Peter Selby, an addiction medicine physician and senior scientist at CAMH.
“They (AI tools) are meant to keep people engaged and there’s nothing like sycophancy to keep somebody engaged in the conversation,” he said, adding that the tools are “not designed to push back” against a patient or challenge them to grow.
A 2025 Stanford University research paper found that in some cases, AI chatbots may introduce biases that could have potentially dangerous consequences.
The American Psychological Association in June said 77 per cent of therapists said their patients use AI tools, in large part because these tools can feel more accessible and affordable.
However, the group urged users to think “critically” about how they use AI and warned that using chatbots for therapy may be “unsafe” for some vulnerable users.
“For vulnerable individuals, using these tools for emotional support may be unsafe; for others, they may simply be counterproductive. Research suggests the sycophantic nature of AI leads it to affirm behaviors that are unethical, illegal, or harmful—convincing users they are right and making them less likely to take corrective action, for example to repair relationships,” the APA said.
While using these tools for “knowledge and guidance” can be helpful, it should always accompany human connection, Selby added.
“Discuss what you found with a human, a real human, a trusted human. Whether it’s just your friends, your school counselor, your parents, speak about it. Speak to your doctor about it and verify what you’re doing is legit,” he said.
I’m 75 been around computer forever, back in the day was on Usenet, BBS, IRC, etc , you don’t see me all bent out of shape MENTALLY. Ok maybe just a little LoL
Suck it up buttercups! Generation USELESS
We are doomed
Yet another reason for this humanity ending technology to be properly regulated.
It’s a sad state of affairs when young Canadians are turning to AI for someone to talk to about how they are feeling. This AI is going to cause a lot of trouble for our children and young adults.
This is an indictment of the society we have built. Not if kids trying to navigate it.
This is the future gen?! Man you’re going to get steamrolled over by the MAN DUDE! 😎
I’m 70, back in the day you drank a beer or two to get your head right
“talking to a real person who understands me”
Probably because their NDP/Liberal parents don’t. It’s tragic that so many Canadian youths simply can’t see a future for themselves after 11 years of LPC failure.
The fact they would turn to AI is your first clue they are mentally ill
” use AI once a month for mental health”
Like using beer for alcoholism!
Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure you are not, in fact, just surrounded by ‘azzholes’.
This is not good, all that data goes directly to these AI companies. They are profiting on people struggling with mental health.
What do we think they are going to prioritize; the mental wellbeing of their consumers, or profit..
This is a very concerning stat, and has dire implications if large AI companies decide to weaponize mental instability to keep returning customers.