The Association Between AI Chatbot Use and Anxiety Among High School Adolescents in Yogyakarta

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to anxiety due to developmental demands, academic pressure, and social dynamics. Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are increasingly used as alternative tools to support mental health. Although AI chatbots are widely used, empirical evidence regarding their association with adolescent anxiety especially in Indonesia remains limited. This study aimed to examine the relationship between AI chatbot use and anxiety among high school adolescents in Yogyakarta. Methods: This study employed a descriptive correlational design with a cross-sectional approach. Consecutive sampling was used to recruit 233 adolescents from several high schools in Yogyakarta. Research instruments included an AI chatbot use questionnaire and the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS). Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Of all respondents, 53.21% reported using AI chatbots, while the prevalence of anxiety was 21.45%. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between AI chatbot use and anxiety (p < 0.001).Conclusion: There is a significant association between AI chatbot use and anxiety among adolescents; however, causality cannot be established due to the study design. Further longitudinal research is needed to clarify the direction of this relationship and to better inform the development of safe and effective digital mental health interventions.