Do AI and digital health improve our well-being?
November 3, 2025
Recently there have been reported cases of humans experiencing AI-fuelled delusions after prolonged intimate conversations with virtual chatbots. Over a decade ago, sci-fi movies like Her and Ex Machina predicted that humans would be increasingly reliant on AI for their emotional health, with dramatic consequences. With an estimated one in five people affected by mental health in their lifetime, but access to resources limited, many are experimenting with digital health apps. In my clinical practice, several patients have tried this as well, with mixed results.
So, what does the evidence say about digital health apps?
Smartphone apps and web-based interventions have positive effects (small but statistically significant) in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the benefits can persist for over 12 months in some studies. The strongest evidence of health benefits is seen with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), chatbot and mood monitoring app functions. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) apps (i.e. Headspace) are also as effective as CBT apps for mild to moderate depression and anxiety, and MBCT might be better for stress, psychological well-being and suicidality. CBT apps may be preferred for moderate to severe depression.
Virtual reality (VR) and web-based platforms may also help with specific phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, pain management, physical rehabilitation and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The evidence is mixed on VR when it comes to well-being enhancement, schizophrenia/psychosis, eating disorders and substance use disorders.
Digital health works best with a human in the loop
Human-guided digital interventions have better overall health effects than self-guided apps. The American Psychiatric Association states that digital mental health tools can serve as adjuncts to standard treatment and/or as standalone interventions. However, barriers to success include digital literacy, user engagement (attrition rates up to 50%, with even lower retention in young adults), clinician adoption (fragmented care) and privacy concerns. Engagement is higher if the interventions involve social connectedness and are personalized to specific needs so that users feel more in control of their health. Digital health apps are not to be used for individuals with severe mental illness (psychosis, mania, suicidality) or cognitive impairment.
What about AI?
It’s early days, but AI can be useful in predicting risk, diagnosis and monitoring in various mental health conditions (depression, schizophrenia, bipolar, cognitive impairment). Studies on AI chatbots and generative AI platforms have not shown benefits beyond three months consistently, and effects on stress, well-being and effect have not been significant. There may be short-term moderate improvement in anxiety and depressive symptoms however, especially if AI is combined with human support. There are concerns of user dependence on AI chatbots, worsening loneliness, sleep disturbance, non-individualized care for at-risk populations (emotional blunting/numbness from algorithmic interventions), data privacy and manipulation of trust in the therapeutic relationship.
Robots integrated with AI may have a future role in elder care by serving as assistants (activities of daily living), emotional supporters (cognitive stimulation) and promoting independence (safety monitoring).
So, does digital health and AI improve our well-being?
It might help with some things like mild to moderate anxiety, depression, stress management and emotional well-being, but it's not as helpful for severe symptoms and mental health crisis (best to seek attention from a physician). Digital health apps work best if you use them consistently and have human support (mental health resources, social support network, adjunct to traditional treatment). It’s early days for AI in mental health and more studies are coming.
The world of digital health is rapidly evolving. Stay tuned and prioritize your well-being!
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