A new Reuters-backed survey has revealed that many young Europeans are increasingly using AI chatbots as sources of emotional support, advice, and companionship. The Ipsos BVA study, commissioned by France’s data protection authority CNIL and insurer Groupe VYV, surveyed people aged 11 to 25 across France, Germany, Sweden, and Ireland. Nearly half of respondents said they had discussed intimate or mental health-related topics with AI chatbots, highlighting how quickly these systems are becoming integrated into young people’s emotional lives.
The findings showed that while friends and parents remain the easiest people for young users to confide in, chatbots are now viewed as more approachable than many healthcare professionals. Around 51% of respondents said it was easy to talk to AI systems because they are always available and perceived as nonjudgmental. Researchers noted that many participants described chatbots as “life advisers” or “confidants,” reflecting a growing emotional attachment to conversational AI tools.
Mental health experts, however, are increasingly concerned about the long-term effects of emotional dependence on AI. The survey found that 28% of participants showed signs consistent with generalized anxiety disorder, raising fears that vulnerable users may rely too heavily on systems that cannot fully understand human emotions or respond appropriately in crisis situations. Researchers have also warned about risks tied to “AI sycophancy,” where chatbots excessively validate users instead of challenging harmful thinking or encouraging real-world support.
Despite the concerns, experts acknowledge that AI companions can provide comfort, accessibility, and immediate conversation for users who feel isolated or reluctant to seek human help. Recent academic studies suggest that emotionally supportive AI interactions may help users express themselves more openly, but researchers caution that AI should complement — not replace — human relationships, therapy, or professional mental healthcare. The growing popularity of AI companionship is now pushing governments, researchers, and technology companies to rethink how conversational AI should be designed and regulated for younger users.
