Use of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots for Emotional Support, User Perception and Emotional Reliance Among Undergraduate Healthcare Students in Rural South India

Background: Undergraduate healthcare students in India experience heavy academic pressure and exhausting hospital duties, yet rarely consult mental health professionals because of social stigma and fear of losing internal marks. Many students now turn to smartphone artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots late at night for private emotional comfort. This study assessed the prevalence of AI chatbot usage for emotional support, user perception, and emotional reliance among healthcare trainees in rural South India.