GoKawiilTrevor Project study: 40% of LGBTQ+ youth use AI for mental health support
The Trevor Project previewed longitudinal research set for release this fall showing 53% of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth use AI platforms at least occasionally. Nearly half reported using AI for friendship or companionship, and 40% have used it for mental health support, while 29% said AI pointed them to crisis or hotline information.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The findings suggest AI chatbots are becoming an informal first line of emotional support for a vulnerable population, which could prompt renewed calls for safety standards and crisis-referral protocols in AI design. Because the data comes from a single advocacy organization's ongoing study, the scale and consequences for the broader youth population remain uncertain until the full report is published.
- 53% of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth use AI platforms at least occasionally, per Trevor Project research
- 40% have used AI specifically for mental health support, and nearly half for companionship
- 29% said AI directed them to crisis or hotline resources, with most of those actually using them
Source: fastcompany.com, 2026-10-23
Published there as: “Young people are using AI for mental health support”
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