A recent study has found that frequent use of generative artificial intelligence is linked to higher levels of depressive symptoms among adults in the United States.

A recent study has found that frequent use of generative AI is linked to higher levels of depressive symptoms among adults in the United States.

The study, titled' Generative AI Use and Depressive Symptoms Among US Adults', published in the medical research journal JAMA Network Open, analysed survey responses from more than 20,000 adults across all 50 US states and found that people who used generative AI tools every day, or several times a day, reported more depressive symptoms than those who did not use AI at all.

Researchers measured mental health using a standard clinical questionnaire commonly used to screen for depression. Frequent AI users were also more likely to report symptoms consistent with moderate depression. Similar associations were found for anxiety and irritability.

Around one in ten respondents said they used generative AI at least once a day. Frequent use was more common among younger adults, men, people with higher incomes and education levels, and those living in urban areas.

The study also found that how people used AI mattered. The strongest links to depressive symptoms were seen among those who mainly used AI for personal purposes, while work- and education-related use showed weaker associations.

The researchers emphasised that the findings do not prove that AI use causes depression. It is also possible that people experiencing depressive symptoms are more likely to turn to AI tools more often. The data was based on self-reported survey responses, which have their limitations.

Even so, the findings suggest that the mental health effects of generative AI warrant closer scrutiny as the technology becomes more widely used in everyday life. The authors call for further research to better understand the relationship between AI use and emotional well-being.