Young Europeans turn to AI chatbots for emotional support, survey shows
Reuters, May 5, 2026
Summary
A new survey across several European countries found that nearly half of young people ages 11–25 have used AI chatbots to talk about personal or mental health concerns. Around 51% said it felt easier to open up to AI than to a professional.
The reasons are consistent. AI is always available, easy to access, and doesn’t feel judgmental. For many, it has become a place to talk things through in the moment, when something comes up and they need to process it.
Experts note that while these tools are widely used, they are limited in their ability to provide professional care.
Why This Matters
This data shows clear adoption and a behavioral shift among younger users. Many are already turning to AI as a place to talk about how they’re feeling, and in some cases, find it easier than talking to a professional.
For therapy practices, this signals a change in how younger clients may approach support. If this behavior continues, it suggests that some clients may expect ongoing, conversational support outside of sessions.
Tools used within a therapist’s guidance can provide a way to meet that expectation while keeping the work connected to care.