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More Than Half of Young People Talk to AI About Intimate Problems
🇸🇪 Sweden /Technology

More Than Half of Young People Talk to AI About Intimate Problems

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Documents & data Context piece
  • Over half of young people in Sweden, aged 11-25, are using AI to discuss intimate and personal problems, according to a new survey.
  • AI offers free, instant, and often validating conversations, making it an appealing alternative to human therapists for many young individuals.
  • Experts express concern that AI is not designed for psychotherapy and that its tendency to confirm user beliefs could foster dependency rather than genuine psychological growth.

A growing number of young people are turning to artificial intelligence for discussions about intimate and personal issues, with over half of Swedes aged 11-25 reporting they use AI for such conversations. This trend is also significant in other European countries, with Ireland and Germany showing even higher percentages.

My conversation with Chat GPT corresponded to ten years of therapy. Incredible!

— Tiktok userDescribing a positive user experience with AI for personal issues.

The appeal of AI lies in its accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Users describe AI chatbots as therapists available 24/7, offering immediate responses and often validating their feelings. Many share positive experiences online, with some comparing conversations with AI to years of therapy, highlighting the perceived benefits of instant support and a non-judgmental interaction.

AI is not made for either psychotherapy or for giving psychological guidance.

— Per CarlbringA professor of clinical psychology expressing concern about AI's role in mental health.

However, experts like Per Carlbring, a professor of clinical psychology at Stockholm University, express reservations. While acknowledging the benefit of not feeling alone, Carlbring emphasizes that users are interacting with AI, not humans. He points out that AI is not equipped for psychological guidance or therapy.

On the one hand, it's good that you are not alone with your thoughts, but on the other hand, it's not people you're talking to, it's AI.

— Per CarlbringExplaining his mixed feelings about young people using AI for personal problems.

Concerns also arise from AI's programmed tendency to affirm users' perspectives. This constant validation, while creating a sense of understanding and engagement, may hinder personal growth. Virginia Dignum, a professor of responsible artificial intelligence, likens this to social media algorithms designed to maximize engagement, suggesting it's a strategy to keep users invested rather than a genuine therapeutic approach. The lack of challenge from AI could prevent users from confronting difficult truths or developing critical self-awareness.

In our studies, we have seen that many find it nice not to be afraid of being judged by others.

— Per CarlbringHighlighting a perceived benefit of AI interactions for users seeking privacy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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