January 24, 2026
Researchers have warned that excessive use of artificial intelligence-based chatbots, such as “ChatGPT,” “Gemini,” “Claude,” and “DeepSeek,” may be linked to the emergence of symptoms of depression and psychological disorders.
A recent study, according to Medical Express, showed that individuals who use artificial intelligence on a daily basis are 30% more likely to suffer from at least moderate levels of depression, compared to people who use it less frequently.
“Everyday AI use is common and closely associated with depression and other negative emotional symptoms such as anxiety and irritability,” said the research team led by Dr. Roy Perlis, director of the Center for Quantitative Health at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The results also revealed that age plays a role in this relationship, with middle-aged adults being more likely to suffer from depression with frequent use.
Dr. Sunny Tang, assistant professor of psychiatry at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, explained that individuals with psychological disorders may turn to generative AI in an attempt to relieve their feelings of loneliness or to seek confirmation of their feelings.
She added, “Feeling isolated is a strong indicator of depression, anxiety, and irritability, and remote working methods may exacerbate this effect in the modern era.” Tang stressed the need for artificial intelligence companies to take mental health into account when designing their products, saying: “These products must be supportive for people who suffer from psychological problems, while putting in place controls that prevent providing advice that may worsen their symptoms.” (Erm News)
