JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) social chatbots represents a significant development in the intersection of technology and mental health, offering potential benefits through natural and emotional communication. Social chatbots, unlike their task-oriented counterparts, focus on building relationships and providing social support, which can positively impact mental health outcomes such as loneliness and social anxiety. However, the specific effects and mechanisms through which these chatbots influence mental health remain underexplored.

Objective:

This study aims to explore the psychiatric potential of AI social chatbots, particularly focusing on their impact on loneliness and social anxiety among individuals in their twenties. The study seeks to: (i) assess the impact of engaging with an AI social chatbot in South Korea, "Luda Lee," on these mental health outcomes over a four-week period; and (ii) analyze user experiences to identify perceived strengths and weaknesses, as well as the applicability of social chatbots in therapeutic contexts.

Methods:

A single-group pre-post study was conducted with 176 students in their 20s who interacted with the chatbot over a four-week period, with mental health outcomes assessed at three intervals. The measures included loneliness, social anxiety, and mood-related symptoms such as depression. Quantitative measures were analyzed using analysis of variance and regression to identify the factors affecting change. Thematic analysis was used to analyze user experiences and assess the perceived benefits and challenges of chatbots.

Results:

Significant reductions in loneliness and social anxiety were observed, with loneliness showing improvement in the second week (P = .017) and social anxiety in the fourth week (P = .011). Self-disclosure and perceived usefulness were associated with a greater reduction in loneliness and social anxiety. Qualitative analysis revealed that users appreciated the chatbot's ability to provide empathy and social support, with many considering it a reliable conversation partner. However, some users noted issues such as inconsistent responses and excessive enthusiasm, which sometimes broke the immersion and affected their overall experience.

Conclusions:

Our observations suggest that social chatbots may have the potential to mitigate feelings of loneliness and social anxiety, indicating their possible utility as complementary resources in mental health interventions. Insights garnered from user experiences and chatbot functionalities highlight the potential benefits of empathy, constant accessibility, and thoughtful conversation structuring in supporting therapeutic objectives. Clinical Trial: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) KCT0009288; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?seq=26360&search_page=L