What are people actually using AI mental health apps for?
By Siri Bandagiriye · Mostly ordinary things: venting after a long day, getting through sleepless nights, calming down before an exam or a shift, untangling a looping worry, rehearsing a hard conversation, and feeling less alone far from family.
From what people tell us, the most common uses are ordinary ones:
- Venting at the end of a long day without burdening anyone
- Getting through sleepless nights
- Calming down before an exam, interview or shift
- Untangling a worry that keeps looping
- Rehearsing a hard conversation
- Feeling less alone when far from family
That last one matters to me. Many of our early users are children of immigrant families, carrying pressures their parents may not fully see. A private, culturally aware space to talk can be a real relief.
What the research says
In Canada, AI mental health tools are most often used for general well-being (42%), companionship (36%) and mild-to-moderate stress (36%).1
About 1 in 8 U.S. adolescents and young adults use AI chatbots for mental health advice when feeling sad, angry or nervous, most often those aged 18 to 21.2
About one in three U.S. teens have used AI companions for social interaction and relationships, including emotional support, friendship or conversation practice.3
Written by Siri Bandagiriye
I've been a Buddhist monk and mindfulness teacher for 30 years, and for six years a chaplain with Correctional Service Canada, sitting with people in crisis. I built Saati in Halifax as a companion for the ordinary hard days. If you'd like to see what it's like, it's free to try.