Men are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence chatbots for emotional support and companionship, according to recent usage patterns and research. A Pew Research Center survey conducted earlier in the year found that 8% of men reported using chatbots for emotional support, with 4% citing companionship as a reason for use. Additionally, 9% of men indicated that chatbot use improved their happiness. Thousands of mental health applications, including major teletherapy platforms, have begun incorporating AI elements into their services.
Male-specific barriers to seeking traditional mental health care remain substantial. Men account for up to 80% of suicide deaths even in countries with lower gun ownership rates than the United States, yet they are nearly half as likely as women to receive mental health treatment of any kind. Experts attribute this gap to various factors including social norms about masculinity, reluctance to acknowledge psychological difficulties, scheduling constraints, workplace demands, and fear of being a burden.
Mental health researchers believe AI chatbots may overcome some traditional barriers that prevent men from seeking help. Men report feeling less judged, less intimidated, and more comfortable discussing sensitive topics with chatbots compared to human professionals. The 24/7 availability and lack of formal structure associated with AI conversations appeal to men who face scheduling challenges or hesitate to commit to traditional therapy appointments. John Torous, a psychiatry professor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, is pursuing research to determine whether improvements in mental state following chatbot conversations provide lasting benefits or merely temporary relief.
While acknowledging the potential benefits, experts emphasize the need for rigorous evidence and transparency regarding AI mental health tools. Michael Heinz, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Dartmouth, notes that these tools can reduce stigma around mental health seeking by eliminating appointment scheduling, waiting rooms, and explicit requests for help. However, mental health professionals caution that the technology remains imperfect and can pose risks without proper safeguards in place.
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