Studentโฃ mental Health Crisis Deepens Post-COVID, Fueled by Isolation and AIโ Reliance
Paris, France โข- โฃA surge in mental health struggles among French โstudents as the COVID-19 pandemic is prompting concern from healthcare professionals, โขwith rising rates of distress linked to family distance, language barriers,โข and cultural differences. Concurrently, โฃa โgrowing numberโ of students are turning to artificial intelligence chatbots for โคpsychological advice, โขa trendโค experts warn could hinder access to crucial professional support.
The pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, leaving many students feeling isolated and disconnected. According to psychologist Aline โDesplanques at the Student Health Service, students are increasingly presenting with issues stemming from “family distance, language barrier, cultural difference.” This backdrop ofโค heightened need โcoincidesโฃ with a striking willingness to embraceโ AI as a โฃfirst port of โcall for โmental wellbeing.โฃ Ipsos data reveals that 58% of French โขstudents have already used, or intend to use, artificial intelligence to obtain psychological advice.โ
“AI doesโฃ not replace a professional,” emphasizes Desplanques, highlighting the limitations โof algorithmic support in addressing complex emotional needs.โข The appeal of โฃAI, however, lies in its accessibility and perceivedโ lack of judgment. katia Le Fรจvre notes that some young people areโ being directed to in-personโ services after initial guidance from chatbots: “They follow the tools that โare given to them. It is indeed fast and without judgment.” This reliance is so pronounced that Damien Daylies, a nurse at theโ Manche Student Health Service, reports students are seeking professional help less โfrequently, stating, “ChatGPT โขhas become the โconfidant of someโค students.They trust in it without fear.But suddenly, they no longer come to seeโค us.”
Authorities are responding with โincreasedโ resources. Healthโ Psy Student provides all students withโข access to โขtwelve free โsessions โขwith a psychologist, either in person โฃor via video consultation.The Teenagers’ Center also offers support for those aged 11-25,โค with walk-in appointments available. Professionals are also stressing the importance of rebuilding social โคconnections, with calls to โขreinvest in student life and prioritize open interaction.โ “Talkingโ is already aโฃ first aid,” Le Fรจvre asserts, underscoring the essential need for humanโ interaction in addressing the growing mental health crisis โamong france’sโค student population.