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Affective Generative Artificial Intelligence Use and Youth Mental Health

JAMA Pediatrics 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2026.3904

August 31, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT

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This cross-sectional study suggests that seeking emotional support from generative AI is a unique marker of psychological distress in children and adolescents, independent of mattering or loneliness. Clinical frameworks and digital literacy programs should distinguish between functional AI assistance and the use of algorithmic interfaces as a digital refuge for emotional needs.

This study has an accompanying Editorial and Editor's Note.

Corresponding Author: Tracy Vaillancourt, Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, 145 Jean-Jacques-Lussier, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada (tracy.vaillancourt@uottawa.ca).

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