The Jed Foundation (JED) Releases Preliminary Research on How Teens Are Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and What It Means for Their Mental Health

The Jed Foundation recently shared preliminary findings on how teenagers interact with artificial intelligence. The organization surveyed more than 5,500 students between October 2025 and April 2026. Data shows that four out of five students report using some form of AI in their daily lives.

While many students use these tools for schoolwork, the data reveals that nearly one-third of students look to AI for relationship advice. More than one in ten students interact with AI for companionship. Perhaps most concerning is the finding that nearly three out of five students turn to these platforms when they feel stressed, sad, or lonely.

There appears to be a link between high AI use for emotional support and reports of poor mental health. Students who rely on chatbots for problem-solving or companionship reported higher levels of loneliness and a greater history of suicidal thoughts. These findings were presented to congressional staff and policymakers during a recent bipartisan briefing held on Capitol Hill.

Dr. Zainab Okolo, a senior leader at The Jed Foundation, noted that AI is now a permanent part of the social and academic lives of young people. Because this technology is so deeply embedded, she argued that youth perspectives must guide future policy decisions. The event also featured insights from the office of the Surgeon General, emphasizing that current digital spaces often lack the safety guardrails necessary for young users.

Moving forward, the foundation advocates for clear regulations to protect young people from potential harms associated with algorithmic platforms. Youth advisors involved in the research expressed a desire for tools that prioritize safety while still allowing for legitimate educational support. The full research report from The Jed Foundation is scheduled for release this fall.