AI: A Controversial Support for Anxious Young French People

Massive Use of AI Tools by Young People

On May 7, a study conducted by Ipsos BVA for the Groupe VYV and the CNIL revealed that 86% of young French people aged 11 to 25 use artificial intelligence tools. This figure is slightly lower than that of other studied European countries, such as Germany (92%), Ireland (89%), and Sweden (87%). Young French people primarily use AI for educational and professional reasons, with an average of 7.2 different uses among the 16 proposed situations. The main uses include writing assistance (71%), summarizing topics (66%), and homework help (65%).

More than one in four young people use AI daily for their studies or professional activities. Leisure-related uses are also significant: 42% of young people use it to generate music, images, or videos, 41% to search for outing ideas and get tips for video games. Additionally, 37% of young people use AI to chat and have fun, while 35% use it to find content ideas for their social media.

AI as a Conversational Partner for Distressed Youth

The study also highlights that AI has become a preferred conversational partner for young people suffering from anxiety. Nearly two out of three young French people are affected by anxiety disorders, often mild, while one in four shows signs of generalized anxiety disorder. For these young individuals, AI is often used to discuss personal topics, with 68% of those suspected of having generalized anxiety disorders turning to it. Reasons include the constant availability of AI (51%), the ease of communication compared to a real person (40%), and the feeling of being listened to without judgment (36%).

Among those who use AI to address their personal problems, 64% consider it a life advisor and 61% a confidant. However, the level of attachment remains limited for the majority, with 71% of users believing that the disappearance of AI would have little or no effect on their daily lives. This figure drops to 56% among those suspected of having generalized anxiety disorder.

Perceived Risks and Lack of Information

Despite the widespread use of AI, young French people are aware of the potential risks. One third of them believe there are more risks than benefits in discussing their personal lives with AI, while 55% think it can lead to isolation. Privacy is also a concern, with only 20% of young people fully trusting AI to protect their personal data. Furthermore, 40% of young people feel poorly informed about the risks associated with using AI, and 68% are unaware of what happens to the data they share. A majority want to be better informed, particularly about data usage (75%), information to avoid sharing (73%), and best practices (71%). Finally, 85% of young people wish to receive more information on at least one topic related to AI.