AI Chatbots: Middle Schoolers Turn to Them for Friend Troubles, High Schoolers for Mental Health Concerns

The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) released the results of its 'Survey on the Concerns and Social Perceptions of Middle and High School Students' on November 2, 2025. The survey, conducted with 1,556 middle and high school students nationwide, revealed that middle schoolers were most concerned about their friendships, while high schoolers were most concerned about their mental health. Notably, students indicated a greater preference for using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to address their concerns than seeking help from school counselors.

The survey was conducted online from October 22 to 29, 2025. The KTU stated that it designed the survey to conduct an in-depth analysis of students' primary concerns and social perceptions. A total of 1,556 middle and high school students from across the country participated in the survey.

The results showed that 83.7% of all respondents were concerned about their career paths and college prospects. This result reflects students' high level of interest in their studies and future, as well as the anxieties they experience regarding these matters.

Among middle school students, concerns about friendships were the most prevalent, at 42.2%. Concerns about appearance followed, at 38.4%. This is thought to reflect the increased importance of peer relationships and appearance during the middle school years.

For high school students, concerns about mental health were the highest, at 29.6%, followed by financial problems at 29.4%. This reflects the pressures of academic stress and anxieties about the future in the lead-up to college entrance exams, as well as students' realistic concerns about financial difficulties.

15.5% of respondents stated that they use generative AI when they have concerns, which is higher than the 5.1% who use school counselors. This indicates a tendency for students to perceive AI counseling as a method that guarantees anonymity and is easily accessible.

The KTU plans to use the results of this survey as a basis for student counseling methods and mental health support.

Meanwhile, the survey also included questions about social perceptions. 80.3% of middle and high school students responded that they had encountered the rumor of 'Chinese nationals entering the country visa-free for human trafficking.' More alarmingly, 74.8% of those who encountered the rumor stated that they believed it to be true.

This indicates that students are easily exposed to fake news and lack the critical thinking skills to evaluate it. There is a need to raise awareness about the spread of misinformation through social media and online communities.

The KTU proposed educational measures to improve students' media literacy skills. There is a need to improve awareness of the dangers of fake news.

The survey results provide important insights into students' concerns and social perceptions. The KTU stated that it plans to actively promote policy proposals and educational activities based on the survey results to alleviate students' difficulties and support their growth into healthy members of society.

An official from the KTU emphasized, "The difficulties students face are connected to problems of society as a whole, beyond personal issues." They added, "Through these survey results, we must listen to the voices of students and work together with schools and society to find solutions." Society-wide efforts are needed to address students' mental health and promote correct social perceptions.