Generative AI Use and Depressive Symptoms Among US Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly entered mainstream use in the US, but its association with mental health has not been characterized.

Objective

To examine the associations of the extent and type of generative AI use among US adults with negative affective symptoms in a large, nationally representative sample.

Design, setting, and participants

This survey study used data from a 50-state US internet nonprobability survey conducted between April and May 2025. Survey respondents were aged 18 years and older. Data were analyzed in August 2025.

Exposure

Participants self-reported generative AI and social media use.

Main outcomes and measures

The outcome of interest, negative affect, was measured using the Patient Health Questionna

SUBMITTER: Perlis RH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12824790 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature