Nearly one in two young people in Europe have used AI chatbots to discuss intimate or personal matters, as the technology increasingly serves as a source of emotional support, an Ipsos BVA survey showed on Tuesday.
Of the 3,800 people surveyed, 51% said it was “easy” to discuss mental health and personal issues with a chatbot. Only 49% said the same about healthcare professionals and 37% about psychologists. People close to them were at the top of the list, with 68% saying it was easy to discuss issues with friends and 61% with parents.
The survey, commissioned by France’s privacy watchdog CNIL and insurer Groupe VYV, was carried out among people aged 11 to 25 across France, Germany, Sweden and Ireland in early 2026. The findings showcased growing concerns over young people’s mental health. About 28% of respondents met the threshold for suspected generalized anxiety disorder, the survey found.
Around 90% of those surveyed had used artificial intelligence tools before, with many citing their constant availability and non-judgmental nature. More than three in five users described AI as a “life adviser” or a “confidant”.