Spending time chatting with AI assistants like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or similar systems may be more than just a technical habit. A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that people who use AI chatbots daily are more likely to report moderate depressive symptoms than people who interact with them less frequently. Researchers found that regular users are about 30% more likely to experience at least moderate depression. However, they are careful to emphasize that this is a correlation, not evidence, that chatbot use causes depression.
This finding comes from a nationwide survey of nearly 21,000 U.S. adults conducted in 2025, in which participants detailed how often they interacted with generative AI tools and completed standard mental health questionnaires. Within this group, about 10% said they use AI daily and 5% said they interact with chatbots multiple times a day. These daily users were more likely to report depressive symptoms and other negative emotional effects such as anxiety and irritability.
What the research actually shows
To be clear, the researchers behind the study emphasize an important nuance: the results do not prove that the use of AI chatbots causes depression. However, it is possible that people who are already experiencing depressive symptoms or loneliness may be more inclined to talk to AI frequently, rather than the chats being the trigger. Some analyzes also suggested that middle-aged adults (45-64) had particularly strong associations, although the reasons for this remain unclear.
That doesn’t mean AI chatbots don’t have potential benefits. In specialized therapeutic settings, for example CBT-based or clinic-led systems, there is evidence that depressive symptoms and loneliness are reduced when protective measures and clear boundaries are included in the design. But occasional use as an everyday companion or support seems to be a different matter. Mental health experts note that a heavy reliance on AI interactions can make it difficult to resolve underlying issues with human assistance.
For now, the new research highlights a connection that should be better understood as AI tools become increasingly intertwined with daily life. Whether frequent AI chat reflects a coping strategy for emotional stress, contributes to social withdrawal, or is something entirely more complex, experts say people should be aware of why they are turning to artificial voices. It is important not to hesitate to seek human contact and professional support when needed.
