43% of AI users in Hong Kong trust AI more than mental health professionals: Survey

As more Hong Kong residents turn to AI for mental health support, digital-related pressures and growing reliance on technology are emerging as new wellbeing concerns.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly prominent role in how Hong Kong residents seek mental health support, according to the latest AXA Mind Health Study 2026, which found that two-thirds of respondents have already turned to AI tools for health-related purposes.

Based on responses from 19,000 people across 18 markets, including 1,000 respondents in Hong Kong, of whom 779 were working professionals, the study found that 66% of respondents have used AI tools for health-related support, including understanding and managing their own mental wellbeing, obtaining advice on supporting others, and seeking guidance on discussing mental health concerns.

However, the findings also pointed to a growing reliance on AI that may raise concerns for mind health-related matters.

Among AI users, 44% said they would rather seek support from AI than have face-to-face conversations with friends or peers, while 43% said they trust AI more than mental health professionals.

In addition, 42% said they almost always follow AI-generated recommendations, and 40% reported that turning to AI for support has become a reflex.

More concerningly, more than a quarter of respondents (26%) said they felt uneasy after receiving advice from AI tools, while an equal proportion said AI recommendations had led them towards behaviours they later considered harmful.

Screen time and digital pressures take a toll

The study also highlighted broader digital wellbeing concerns.

Respondents reported spending an average of 5.5 hours a day on personal screen-based activities outside of work, with 90% saying excessive screen time negatively affects their daily lives.

The most commonly reported impacts included poorer sleep quality (76%), reduced concentration (73%), fewer social interactions (70%), and lower mood and physical activity levels.

Workplace wellbeing gaps remain

Mental wellbeing challenges remain widespread among employees.

Among working respondents, 80% reported multiple factors negatively affecting their mental health, with uncertainty about the future (59%), work-related stress (56%), financial instability and job insecurity (53%), and difficulties maintaining work-life balance (46%) cited most frequently.

Rapid technological change is also emerging as a new source of pressure. More than one-third (36%) said excessive use of social media and digital devices negatively affected their mental wellbeing, while 34% felt stressed about keeping pace with evolving technologies, including AI.

Despite these challenges, many employees remain reluctant to seek support at work. Nearly two-thirds (62%) said they would not discuss mental health challenges in the workplace.

The study also identified a significant gap between employee demand and employer support. While just 35% of workers said their employer currently offers mental health or wellbeing initiatives, more than three-quarters (77%) said they would participate in such programmes if they were available.

Emily Li, Chief Employee Benefits and Wellness Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said the results highlight an opportunity for employers to take a more proactive and personalised approach to employee wellbeing.