Dhaka, Oct. 25 -- More people are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support, but experts warn they can reinforce harmful beliefs, miss serious symptoms and encourage unhealthy attachments, according to The Independent.

The report said that 57 percent of UK adults surveyed for the 2026 Bupa Wellbeing Index use AI chatbots instead of booking GP appointments because of time constraints. Among people aged 18 to 24, the figure rises to 65 percent.

Dr Daniel Masud, a consultant psychiatrist at Central Health London, told The Independent that long waiting times and difficulties accessing professional care were driving people towards chatbots for quick advice.

He identified four risks: reinforcing beliefs, missing symptoms, weak safeguards ...