A major new study suggests that widespread use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) — especially for personal tasks — may be associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms among adults. While AI tools have rapidly become part of everyday life, researchers say their findings raise important questions about potential psychological effects.
Study Overview and Findings
The research, published in JAMA Network Open, analysed data from a nationwide survey of more than 20,000 U.S. adults conducted between April and May 2025. Participants reported how often they used AI tools — including chatbots powered by generative models — along with information about their mood and mental health.
Key findings include:
- People who used AI daily or more frequently were significantly more likely to report depressive symptoms compared with non-users.
- The average likelihood of experiencing moderate depressive symptoms was about 30 percent higher among daily AI users.
- Patterns were particularly strong in adults aged 25–64 and among those who used AI primarily for personal rather than work or school purposes.
These associations remained statistically meaningful even after accounting for demographic factors such as age and gender.
Interpretation and Limitations
Importantly, researchers caution that this study does not establish a causal link — it shows an association, not direct cause and effect. It’s possible that individuals already experiencing depressive symptoms may be more inclined to use AI frequently, rather than AI use directly causing depression.
The mechanisms behind the observed link aren’t yet clear, and scientists emphasise the need for longitudinal studies to determine whether increased AI engagement contributes to changes in mood over time or if it is simply a marker of underlying mental health tendencies.
What This Could Mean for Users
AI chatbots and generative tools offer convenience and creative support for many everyday tasks — from drafting text to answering queries — and they remain valuable resources in both personal and professional contexts. However, the new findings raise awareness about how intense or personal AI interactions might relate to wellbeing.
Mental health experts suggest that anyone noticing changes in mood or emotional wellbeing should consider a broad range of factors — including technology use — and seek appropriate support from healthcare professionals when needed.
Future Research Needed
The authors of the study call for further research to understand how generative AI use interacts with mental health across different age groups and patterns of use. As AI continues to permeate daily life, clarifying whether and how frequent engagement influences psychological outcomes will be critical for users, clinicians, and policymakers alike.
