A biennial survey shows that about one in three Hong Kong adults have moderate to severe depression symptoms, nearly triple the rate from 2012, with Generation Z respondents spending much time on screens most affected. The study also found that 22 percent of respondents turned to AI chatbots for stress management, which experts on Thursday called “risky” as it could delay professional help. The depression index stood at 7.27, the highest since 2012.
A biennial survey by the Mental Health Association NGO and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) indicates record-high depression rates among Hong Kong adults. Conducted between September and November last year, the poll involved 2,700 adult respondents. About 30 percent scored 10 or above on depression symptoms—a moderate to severe level—up from about 11 percent in 2012. The proportion scoring 15 or more, indicating moderately severe or severe levels, rose from about 4 percent to 13 percent. Roughly one in four reported thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
The overall depression index, based on self-reported symptoms, reached 7.27 out of 27, the highest since the survey launched in 2012. Angela Cui Jialiang, an assistant professor in CUHK's department of social work, attributed the elevated levels to a combination of social and environmental stressors. Generation Z respondents with high screen time were most affected.
Additionally, 22 percent of respondents used AI chatbots to manage stress. Experts on Thursday described this as “risky,” noting it could delay seeking professional help. The survey highlights ongoing mental health challenges in Hong Kong, potentially exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.