Chatbots used as way to help mental health

OVERSTRETCHED services are forcing people to turn to Al chatbots for mental health support, a charity has warned.

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It comes as a survey found more than a third of adults have used the technology for help with their wellbeing.

Mental Health UK called for urgent safeguards to be put in place to ensure Al can only use information from reputable sources, such as the NHS and other trusted organisations.

Without these, there is a risk of “exposing vulnerable people to serious harm”, the charity warned.

The poll of 2,000 people, conducted for Mental Health UK by Censuswide, found 37% have used an Al chatbot to support their mental health or wellbeing.