Israelis in emotional distress are turning to ChatGPT for help, study finds

A new study by Tel Hai College finds that nearly half of Israeli users with severe psychological distress turn to ChatGPT and Gemini for emotional support. The survey of 584 adults shows 29.3% overall used AI for mental health help, rising to 47% among those with severe distress. Researchers warn that consumer AI lacks clinical safeguards and genuine empathy.

A new study by Tel Hai College reveals that nearly half of Israeli users experiencing severe psychological distress turn to generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for emotional support. The study, published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, surveyed 584 Israeli adults aged 18 to 70 who had used a general-purpose AI tool at least once in the previous year. Overall, 29.3% reported using AI for emotional support or mental health assistance; among those with severe distress, the figure rose to 47%. Lead researcher Dr. Dorit Hadar Shoval noted that while AI offers immediate, nonjudgmental interaction, it lacks genuine empathy, clinical boundaries, and crisis-intervention capabilities. The study does not determine whether AI interactions are helpful or harmful, or whether they delay professional care. The researchers call for closer attention from clinicians and policymakers to the risks of relying on AI during emotional vulnerability.