A recent scientific study revealed a relationship between the frequent use of artificial intelligence applications and high rates of reporting symptoms of depression, noting that it did not prove the existence of a direct cause for this relationship.
The study, which was published in January 2026 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, and included a questionnaire of more than 20,000 adults in the United States, showed a link between the extensive use of chat applications that rely on artificial intelligence and increased indicators of depression in some users, according to what was reported by “Sputnik.”
The researchers emphasized that these results do not necessarily mean that artificial intelligence is the cause of depression, but rather indicate the existence of a statistical correlation that requires further study and research.
In a press interview in which he discussed the results of the study, Dr. Mel Brown, chief medical officer at the American company Spring Health, said: “The study shows an association, not a causal relationship.” He explained that “it is not clear whether people who already suffer from psychological challenges resort to artificial intelligence more, or whether some patterns of use may contribute to the emergence of these symptoms.”
Brown added that previous surveys have shown that seeking psychological support is one of the most common reasons for using artificial intelligence tools, a trend he described as “alarming,” warning against relying on these technologies as a substitute for human interaction or specialized care. (Erm News)
