Is ChatGPT the New Best Friend for Indian Students?
Summary:A recent survey across the country reveals that approximately 88% of school children in India, aged 13 to 18, are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT when they need help managing stress or simply want someone to talk to.
Did you know 88% of Indian teens rely on AI tools to manage stress? A recent survey highlights how AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, are becoming digital companions for young minds.
What Surveys Say
The Youth Ki Awaaz (YKA) in partnership with Youth Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) carried out a web survey ‘Are you there, AI”? amongst 506 participants, pan-India, in June 2025, by a digital-first approach, via social media platforms, educational networks, and youth organisations. The purpose of the survey was to investigate how AI is being used not just as a productivity tool, but is more of a companion to the youth in their times of stress and loneliness.
AI as a Confidant for the Youth
According to the study, 57% of young Indians use AI as a confidant, in times of stress, be it for advice, casual conversations or expressing their thoughts they would normally not share with others, for fear of being judged.
88% Students Use AI for Stress Management
According to a new survey, it has been seen that 88% school students in India (between 13 – 18 years of age) rely on AI when they are faced with stress, isolation or are anxious.
ChatGPT – The Most Sought-After AI Platform
It has been seen that ChatGPT has won hands down as the ‘go-to’ AI platform, beating Google’s Gemini / Character.AI.
Key Findings of the Survey
According to the survey, 52% of young women shared their personal thoughts with AI, as compared to half the percentage of young men. 43% users from smaller towns attributed their reliance on AI, which is less than that of those from the urban cities.
Privacy and Isolation Concerns
According to the study, about 67% participants voiced their concerns over AI increasing their social isolation, while 58% of them were concerned about their privacy and misuse of their personal data. We all know the increasing trend of cyber-attacks occurring daily!
These participants were juggling their feelings, on one hand, and mistrust, on the other hand.
Report Findings of the Survey
The report of the survey also states that AI is just “filling the gaps” that should have been the primary concern and responsibility of the family, friends and institutions of the youth. It said that AI is in no way looking to replace the “human emotional support system”. It further states that AI is a “safe place” for the youth to express themselves candidly, which they were unable to do in their personal relationships and referred to this as the “new emotional geography”.
This does not imply that the youth prefer machines over humans, but that they have something that listens to them speak, without any embarrassment.
“AI doesn’t judge me, that’s why I talk to it,”
Final Thoughts
It is indeed alarming to know that the youth are communicating with a machine/man-made programs, which may not have all the correct answers or advice. It can lead to harmful results which may make the youth fall “out of the frying pan and into the fire”.
The parents, family, friends, and institutions should have “Talk to me” sessions where the youth can freely speak their mind, without fear, and without being judged.
Training should be imparted to parents & teachers, and workshops can be carried out where the youth are taught to face their feelings and how to quell their fears.
As it is, the youth today are inundated with peer pressure, study pressure, parental pressure and societal pressure; obviously, they need a safe place to be heard.
If we do not step in today to listen, guide, and care, tomorrow’s generation might trust algorithms over humans and that is a future we cannot afford.
Inputs from various media sources.
- Health News and Updates
- 23 August 2025
- 17:00
