# Turning to AI when distressed remains unlikely

Canonical page: https://data.verasight.io/ai/turning-to-ai-when-distressed-remains-unlikely/

> Indexed question in AI & Tech.

## Reading

In a Verasight survey of 1,519 U.S. adults conducted Sept. 3 to 8, 2025, 75% of Americans said they would be unlikely to consult an AI assistant before reaching out to a human if they felt significantly distressed. This includes 55% who said not at all likely and another 20% who said not very likely.

About one in five said they are at least somewhat likely to turn to AI first (18%), with 13% who said somewhat likely and another 5% who said very likely. Another 7% said they are not sure.

## Topline

If you felt significantly distressed tonight, how likely is it that you would consult an AI assistant before reaching out to a human?

75% of Americans say they would not turn to AI when distressed.

Net findings combine adjacent response options from the same scale.

- Not at all likely: 55.2%
- Not very likely: 20.2%
- Somewhat likely: 13.3%
- Not sure: 6.6%
- Very likely: 4.8%

## Methodology

- Mode: Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting
- Population: United States adults
- Field dates: 2025-09-03 → 2025-09-08
- Base (unweighted): 1,519
- Margin of error: +/- 3.3%
- Module: AI Adoption Survey August 2025
- Sponsor: Verasight
- Weight variable: weight
- Weighting targets: age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status

## Source

- Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/august-ai-survey-2025#likelihood-of-consulting-ai-for-distress-support](https://reports.verasight.io/r/august-ai-survey-2025#likelihood-of-consulting-ai-for-distress-support)

## Citation

AI Adoption Survey August 2025, fielded September 3-8, 2025, N=1,519 United States adults, +/- 3.3%.

Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/august-ai-survey-2025#likelihood-of-consulting-ai-for-distress-support](https://reports.verasight.io/r/august-ai-survey-2025#likelihood-of-consulting-ai-for-distress-support)