More than 6 out of 10 people turn to AI for psychological support
5 hours ago
- #Mental Health
- #Screen Time
- #Artificial Intelligence
- Mental health continues to decline globally, with 46% of respondents struggling or languishing, as per the AXA and Ipsos survey across 18 countries.
- Excessive screen time (average 5.1 hours daily excluding work/study and weekends) is viewed negatively for mental health by two-thirds of respondents, though it remains high.
- Over 6 out of 10 people use AI for mental health support, with 42% often following its advice, highlighting its role as an accessible, immediate, and less stigmatizing alternative.
- AI usage for mental health is common in countries like China, the Philippines, and Turkiye, offering free, 24/7 support but raising concerns: 32% felt uncomfortable with advice, and 28% reported harmful behavior from recommendations.
- Despite AI's popularity, only 38% trust it more than mental health professionals, indicating a need for supervised use and integration into structured care pathways rather than replacement.
- Barriers to professional mental healthcare persist, including perceptions of not needing help, cost, and time, driving individuals toward AI solutions, while 43% of those potentially suffering did not consult a professional in the past year.
- Mental health issues have significant economic impacts, such as $1 trillion in global productivity losses and leading long-term sick leave in France, underscoring the need for employer involvement: 84% of respondents would join workplace mental health programs.
- The report calls for moving beyond individual treatment to collective action, emphasizing employers' role in improving access to first consultations and ensuring care pathways based on medical expertise, not just AI tools.