Young people fight back against AI chatbotsShocking new data has revealed that more young people are ditching traditional health practices in favour of digital alternatives.Jackson Robb2 min readMay 1, 2026 - 11:24AMOne in four young Aussies are now using artificial intelligence (AI) models to self diagnose mental health problems as new data reveals a shifting trend from human professionals to chatbots. Young people aged 10 to 24 are turning to platforms such as ChatGPT as a substitute to traditional cognitive behaviour therapy, new findings released by the NSW Office for Youth show. The 2026 Youth Week Poll, surveyed 2308 young people across NSW to better their views on issues such as social media, gambling and AI use. The report found usage was highest among 18-24 year olds with 83 per cent having used AI in the past 12 months. Alarming, 47 per cent of 10-12-year-olds reported using the online tools.MORE: ‘Don’t get left behind’: 5 AI skills to learn right nowOne in four (24 per cent) of those surveyed admitted to using generative AI (GenAI) to ask questions about and understand their mental health. NSW Youth and Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said the report highlights “some pretty stark realities about the challenges (young people) are facing.”“These insights give our office a clearer picture of what young people need and help guide the work we deliver across government,” Ms Jackson said.While the data may support an increase in young people using AI therapy, many young people across Australia believe it’s unwise for their generation to develop an dependence on GenAI modelsRay Hodges, a 22-year-old TAFE student from The Oaks in Sydney’s south west, believes AI therapy is dangerous as it does not consider the user’s mental health history. “With ChatGPT, I’ve noticed it always agrees with you,” Mr Hodges told news.com.au.“No one is going to be thinking for themselves anymore.”Young people feel less judged by generative AI models like ChatGPT when seeking health care. Photo: Supplied AFPMORE:‘Human skills’: How to keep your job safe from AIMr Hodges, who studies Artificial Intelligence at TAFE NSW, said while he uses systems such as Copilot and Claude to help with his studies, he would also conduct his own research before taking the advice of a GenAI tool. “(Young people) will lose critical thinking skills, especially in a dangerous situation,” he said.“You don’t use (GenAI) to diagnose yourself, you could use it as a research tool to narrow down and understand it.”Hannah Fagan, a 20-year-old digital marketing executive and student from Melbourne, said AI is “ruining creativity” and that GenAI tools are giving young people results they want to hear to keep them on the platform longer.“People are using AI as their god … they can’t think without it,” Ms Fagan said. Hannah Fagan, 20, believes AI is "ruining creativity" as more young people turn towards AI chatbots for mental health advice. Picture: suppliedMs Fagan, who also uses AI multiple times a week, said people having conversations with AI models feels “dystopian” but understands why young people would choose it over alternatives such as helplines. “You can tell it anything and it’s not going to judge you,” she said.More Coverage‘Existential risk’: AI panic getting out of handAFPThe one type of job guaranteed to survive AIIke Morris“There’s already an increase in bad mental health. I feel that (GenAI) is just going to increase it more to be honest.”A report from The Harvard Business Review found therapy and companionship was the number one reason people were using AI in 2025, with low cost and the 24/7 access being key motivators why people turn to AI for companionship. “AI-delivered therapeutic interventions have reached a level of sophistication such that they’re indistinguishable from human-written therapeutic responses,” the report said.Join the conversationAdd your comment to this storyTo join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? RegisterJoin the conversation, you are commenting as LogoutMore related storiesEnvironmentMillions of Aussies brace for cold frontMillions of Aussies are bracing for a cold front over the country’s southeast this weekend, after weeks of unseasonable autumn warmth.Read moreNew CarsCult carmaker’s ‘flip-fone’ move with new EVSuzuki’s new EV is a warm embrace of the past, a return to simpler, easier, more intuitive times but with the electric power more and more Aussies are turning to.Read moreMotoring NewsAussies using AI loophole to beat huge finesAussie motorists are beating expensive new AI generated driving fines by using this little known loophole.Read more