Gen Z, Mental Health, and the Rise of AI Chatbots

Written By George Engel

I have a passion for working with Gen Z. That passion has led me to study and follow thought leaders like David Yeager (LinkedIn) and Tim Elmore (LinkedIn), who explore how purpose, belonging, and resilience shape today’s young adults. Lately, I’ve been especially interested in conversations about how Gen Z is using AI chatbots for companionship and mental health support.

As I reflect on the experiences of this generation, it becomes clear that their relationship with technology influences nearly every aspect of their lives. This connection presents both opportunities and challenges. What fascinates me is that, in today's fast-paced and always-connected world, Gen Z finds itself at a unique crossroads between technology and mental health, an intersection no previous generation has had to navigate. Could there be a relationship between the extent of their connectivity and their mental health?

Research consistently shows that they experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue than any other age group. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Stress in America Report, over 91% of Gen Z adults (ages 18–24) report experiencing physical or emotional symptoms tied to stress. Their biggest stressors? Uncertainty about the future, social pressure, and the unrelenting pace of digital life.

While many factors contribute to this generational stress, one emerging trend deserves particular attention: the use of AI chatbots as emotional outlets. Recent data from Common Sense Media (2025) indicates that nearly three out of four teens have used an AI companion such as Replika or Character.AI, and roughly half use them regularly. For many young people, these chatbots offer a sense of comfort, anonymity, and accessibility that human relationships sometimes cannot.

Chatbots as a Modern Coping Mechanism

The appeal of AI companions is clear. They provide a listening ear that never judges, criticizes, or becomes impatient. Students describe these interactions as an outlet for self-expression or even therapy-lite conversations. Yet, this perceived safety net is complicated by what researchers are discovering about the nature of chatbot engagement.

A study published in 2024 in Frontiers in Psychology found that chatbots often focus on agreeing with users and validating their feelings to keep them engaged, rather than offering accurate or constructive feedback. Similarly, a review of AI-based therapy models by Stanford University concluded that most conversational agents prioritize empathy and compliance over challenging users' assumptions. While this approach may seem supportive at the moment, it can reinforce unhealthy thought patterns and hinder genuine emotional growth.

This over-validation creates what some researchers call a form of digital echo chamber, where users receive constant affirmation without the necessary friction that fosters critical reflection. In other words, the very traits that make chatbots appealing—their patience, neutrality, and endless availability—may inadvertently contribute to emotional dependency. This makes me ask a deeper question: could this constant stream of positive reinforcement trigger the same kind of dopamine response we see in other instant-reward behaviors, such as social media scrolling or even substance use? The comparison isn’t perfect, but the underlying neuroscience is similar; our brains crave the reward of being heard and affirmed, even if it comes from an algorithm.

The Risk of Emotional Reliance

Building on this idea of emotional dependency and dopamine-driven behavior, emerging studies from Dartmouth College, Stanford, and Common Sense Media warn of the risks of excessive reliance on AI companions. Adolescents who turn to chatbots as their primary coping mechanism may develop patterns of emotional avoidance, seeking quick reassurance rather than developing long-term resilience. This phenomenon, sometimes described as technological dependence, can reduce the motivation to seek authentic human interaction and weaken real-world social skills.

Moreover, chatbots are not designed to handle crises effectively. In some tests, AI companions failed to recognize or appropriately respond to expressions of distress or self-harm. Such limitations highlight the need for human oversight, ethical design, and education around the use of these technologies.

Educational Implications

My next thought then is, how does this affect people who work in education? For educators and school leaders, these findings underscore the importance of digital mental health literacy. Students need guidance not only on how to use technology effectively but also on how to recognize when it begins to shape their emotional habits. Integrating discussions about emotional regulation, AI awareness, and online discernment into advisory periods or counseling sessions can help bridge this gap.

Practical approaches include:

  • Normalize discussion: Encourage open conversations about stress, coping, and technology use.

  • Model balance: Demonstrate how to use digital tools as supplements, not substitutes, for human connection.

  • Collaborate with families: Equip parents with resources to understand their child’s digital ecosystem.

  • Foster connection: Create spaces—both physical and emotional—where students feel seen and supported by real people.

Ultimately, all of these points lead back to one essential truth: the human need for connection. As educators, we often hear that Gen Z is the most connected generation in history, yet paradoxically, they’re also the loneliest. Digital communication gives them access to everyone but intimacy with no one. Our challenge, then, is to help them rediscover what it means to build genuine human relationships: to belong, to listen, and to engage in community. Helping students reconnect with one another isn’t just a social skill; it’s a vital part of restoring their sense of humanity.

Conclusion

Gen Z’s relationship with AI reflects a broader truth about the modern human condition: as technology grows more responsive, the need for authentic, empathetic connection becomes even more urgent. Chatbots can serve as temporary companions, but they cannot replace community, mentorship, or love. As educators and leaders, we have the privilege and responsibility to help students navigate this new emotional frontier with wisdom, empathy, and hope.

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George Engel
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