AXA Study 2026: Two-Thirds of Hong Kong Residents Turn to AI for Mind Health Support

Growing use of AI creates new opportunities for wellbeing support, 
Yet 43% of AI users trust AI more than healthcare professionals

HONG KONG, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mind health challenges continue to affect many people in Hong Kong, while Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly important source of mind health support, according to the AXA Mind Health Study 2026^[1] ("the Study"). Two-thirds (66%) of respondents said they have used AI tools for health-related purposes, signalling a growing shift in how people seek information, advice and emotional support.

AI offers new avenues for support, but raises potential concerns around growing reliance

The Study found that AI is increasingly becoming part of people's mind health management in Hong Kong. Respondents reported using AI tools to better understand and manage their own mind health, obtain advice on supporting others, and seek guidance on how to communicate mind health concerns.

While AI offers new opportunities to access information and support, the findings also highlight potential concerns around growing reliance on AI for mind health-related matters. Among AI users, 44% said they would rather seek support from AI than engage in face-to-face conversations with friends or peers, while 43% reported trusting AI more than mind health professionals. In addition, 42% said they almost always follow AI recommendations, while 40% reported that turning to AI for support has become a reflex. More concerningly, more than a quarter (26%) said they felt uneasy after receiving AI-generated advice, while an equal portion reported that AI recommendations have led them to behaviours they later considered harmful.

The findings also reflect broader digital lifestyle trends. Respondents spend an average of 5.5 hours a day on personal screen-based activities outside of work, with 90% reporting that excessive screen time negatively affects their daily lives. The most commonly cited impacts were poorer sleep quality (76%), reduced concentration (73%), diminished social interactions (70%) and lower mood and physical activity levels.

Workplace mind health remains a concern as new pressures emerge and support gaps persist

Workplace mind health remains a concern in Hong Kong. Among the working population, 80% reported multiple factors negatively impacting their mind health. Uncertainty about the future was the most frequently cited factor (59%), followed by work-related stress (56%), financial instability and job insecurity (53%), and difficulties maintaining a healthy work-life balance (46%).

Digital-related pressures were also notable. More than one-third of respondents cited excessive use of social media and digital devices (36%) as negatively affecting their mind health, while 34% reported feeling pressure to keep pace with rapid technological change, including advances in AI.

The findings also point to an opportunity for employers to strengthen mind health support. Among working respondents, 62% said they would not discuss their mind health challenges at work. While only 35% of employees said their workplace currently offers mind health or wellbeing initiatives, more than three-quarters (77%) express interest in participating in such programmes if available, highlighting strong demand for workplace wellbeing support.

Emily Li, Chief Employee Benefits and Wellness Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said: "While AI is expanding access to mind health information and support, our findings also highlight a gap between employees' wellbeing needs and the support currently available in the workplace. This presents an opportunity for employers to take a more proactive and personalised approach to employee wellbeing.

The workplace remains an important platform for addressing employees' evolving needs. As wellbeing priorities vary across generations and life stages, a more proactive approach can help employers better understand and support their people. At AXA, we leverage tech-enabled wellbeing solutions, including our Mind Health Self-check and AI-powered health assessment tools, to help employers gain deeper insights into employees' wellbeing needs and deliver more relevant support. Together with our employee benefits solutions and digital health ecosystem partners, we help employers develop health and wellbeing strategies tailored to their workforce, creating a healthier, more engaged and resilient workforce."

About the AXA Mind Health Study 2026

The AXA Mind Health Study is an annual global study that explores mind health and wellbeing, providing insights to support positive mind health among individuals and organisations. The 2026 study surveyed 19,000 respondents across 18 markets, including a representative quota sample of 1,000 individuals in Hong Kong, of whom 779 were working professionals^[2].

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About AXA Hong Kong and Macau

AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 52 markets and serving 92 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.

As one of the most diversified insurers in Hong Kong, we offer integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance. We are the largest General Insurance provider and a major Health and Employee Benefits provider. Our aim is to not only be the insurer to provide comprehensive protection to our customers, but also a holistic partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve. At the core of our service commitment is continuous product & service innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers' needs and leveraging and investing in technology and digital transformation.

We embrace our responsibility to be a driving force against climate change and a force for good to create shared value for our community. Our overall Sustainability Strategy, with emphasis on nature protection, inclusive protection and social resilience, provides a foundation for integrating environmental, social and governance considerations across our business. We are proud to be the first insurer to address the importance of mental health through different products and services and thought leading iconic research. Committed to shaping a sustainable future, we contribute in diverse ways through three distinct roles - as an investor, an insurer and an exemplary company.

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