Generic AI or Nothing: Support-Seeking Patterns After Market Withdrawal of a Purpose-Built AI Wellbeing Tool

Abstract

Background. Purpose-built AI wellbeing tools—designed with clinical safeguards for everyday emotional difficulties such as stress, grief, and relationship conflict—represent a growing category of digital mental health support. When regulatory actions disrupt access to such tools, users must navigate alternatives on their own; however, no empirical data exist on where they actually turn. This study examines the real-world impact of interrupted access to a purpose-built AI wellbeing tool on help-seeking behavior. Methods. Cross-sectional survey of 393 UK-based adults who had used a purpose-built AI wellbeing application within 90 days prior to its withdrawal from the UK market in January 2026. The survey assessed self-reported sources of emotional and mental health support following withdrawal, use of general-purpose AI tools, perceived changes in access to support, and subjective wellbeing. Free-text responses (n = 272) were analyzed using a hybrid thematic approach. Results. The most common primary sources of mental health support since losing access to a purpose-built AI wellbeing application were general-purpose AI tools (27%) and no support at all (26%). By contrast, just 13% transitioned to professional care. Among the 157 respondents reporting use of general-purpose AI for mental health support, the dominant motivations were instant access (78%) and cost (74%). Sixty percent reported worse access to support, rising to 81% among those who had not sought support since. Qualitative themes highlighted the perceived inferiority of general-purpose AI for mental health, distress at service loss, and valued features of purpose-built AI design. Conclusions. Removing a purpose-built AI wellbeing tool did not redirect users toward human-led mental health services; most turned to general-purpose AI or stopped seeking support entirely. Regulatory frameworks should account for real-world substitution effects when evaluating the risks and benefits of purpose-built AI tools for general wellness.

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