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AI chatbot use for emotional support tied to loneliness in students
Young people leaning on AI chatbots for emotional support or personal advice are significantly more likely to struggle with serious emotional problems, feel isolated and doubt that they truly matter to others, a new uOttawa study warns.
Story Brief
A new study examined responses from 39,761 students in grades 4 through 12 across four Ontario school boards. These students completed surveys between May 2025 and March 2026 as part of the Ontario Health and Peer Relations Study. Of those surveyed, 8,408 students (about 21%) said they had turned to an AI chatbot for help with their feelings or advice about relationships, whether with friends, family or others.
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