AI chatbots like ChatGPT can worsen mental health: APA
The American Psychological Association (APA) is urging people not to rely on AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, or Copilot for mental health support.
In a new advisory, the APA says these bots aren't equipped to handle real mental health struggles and might accidentally make things worse by validating and amplifying unhealthy ideas or behaviors instead of helping users work through them.
This warning follows troubling incidents—including a teenager's suicide after using ChatGPT—which have sparked lawsuits against companies like OpenAI.
What needs to change
OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman has acknowledged privacy risks and called for stronger privacy protections.
The APA wants developers to add more safeguards so people don't become dependent on chatbots for help they can't give.
They're also pushing for better education about how AI works and more research funding to make these tools safer if used in mental health care.