Artificial intelligence tools have become part of everyday life for millions of people. Many use AI at work to write emails, summarize documents, or analyze data.
Others turn to AI outside of work for personal questions, advice, entertainment, or conversation. While these tools can be helpful and convenient, a new study suggests that heavy personal use of AI may be linked to higher levels of depressive symptoms, especially among certain age groups.
The research was led by doctors from Massachusetts General Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical School and published by the American Medical Association. The team surveyed nearly 21,000 adults across the United States over a two-month period to better understand how often people use AI and how that use relates to mental health.
Participants were asked about their AI habits, including whether they used AI mainly for work or for personal reasons, and how often they interacted with these tools. They were also asked questions commonly used to assess symptoms of depression, such as persistent low mood, lack of interest, and emotional exhaustion.
The results showed a clear pattern. People who used AI frequently outside of work, especially several times a day, were more likely to report symptoms of depression than those who limited their AI use to work-related tasks.
Those who used AI daily had about a 30 percent higher chance of reporting at least moderate depressive symptoms compared with people who used AI less often.
The researchers noted that this association was strongest among younger adults, but it was not limited to them. Among adults aged 45 to 64, daily AI users had a 50 percent higher likelihood of reporting moderate or worse depression compared with those who used AI less frequently.
This finding suggests that the potential mental health impact of frequent AI use may extend across different stages of adulthood.
The study also identified clear differences in who was most likely to use AI often. Daily or near-daily AI use was more common among men, younger adults, people with higher levels of education, those with higher incomes, and individuals living in urban areas.
These groups may have greater access to technology or may be more comfortable experimenting with new digital tools.
Importantly, the researchers stressed that their findings do not prove that AI use causes depression. The study cannot determine whether frequent AI use leads to depressive symptoms or whether people who already feel depressed are more likely to turn to AI.
It is also possible that both are influenced by other factors, such as loneliness, work stress, or reduced social interaction.
The research team pointed out that earlier studies have found that some people who use AI heavily may begin to withdraw from social interactions or develop a strong emotional reliance on chatbots.
These patterns resemble concerns previously raised about social media and streaming platforms, where excessive use has been linked to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
In recent years, many studies have shown that heavy use of social media can affect mental health by encouraging comparison, reducing real-world social contact, and disrupting sleep. The researchers suggest that AI tools, while different from social media, may raise similar concerns if they replace human interaction or become a primary source of emotional support.
AI systems are designed to respond quickly, politely, and without judgment. For some users, this can feel comforting. However, relying too heavily on AI for emotional support or companionship may reduce opportunities for real human connection, which plays an important role in mental wellbeing. Over time, this shift could contribute to feelings of isolation or low mood.
When reviewing the findings, it is important to consider the strengths and limits of the study. The large sample size and national scope make the results meaningful and broadly relevant.
However, the data are based on self-reported surveys, which may not always capture behavior or mental health perfectly. The study also took place over a relatively short period, so long-term effects remain unclear.
Overall, the research suggests that while AI can be a useful tool, moderation may matter. Using AI occasionally for work or specific tasks does not appear to carry the same risks as frequent personal use throughout the day. The findings highlight the need for more research into how AI fits into daily life and how it may affect mental health over time.
In analyzing the study, the key takeaway is caution rather than alarm. The reported increases in depression were described as modest, not extreme. Still, the consistent pattern across age groups suggests that heavy personal AI use deserves attention from researchers, healthcare providers, and users themselves.
Future studies will need to explore why this link exists, who is most vulnerable, and how people can use AI in ways that support rather than undermine mental wellbeing.
As AI continues to grow more advanced and accessible, understanding its psychological effects will become increasingly important. Like many technologies before it, AI may offer benefits when used thoughtfully, but pose risks when it replaces essential human experiences such as social connection and emotional support.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about 6 foods you can eat to improve mental health, and B vitamins could help prevent depression and anxiety.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and results showing Omega-3 fats may help reduce depression.
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