AI chatbot usage may increase mental health help-seeking among college-aged individuals.

Abstract

Objective: We experimentally investigated whether online emotional support was viewed as supportive and increased desire to seek professional help among emerging adults, moderated by hikikomori (i.e., extreme social withdrawal) and internet addiction. Participants: 417 participants, aged 18-28, were recruited from CloudResearch in July 2025. Methods: We evaluated participants' hikikomori levels, internet addiction levels, and help-seeking intentions. Participants then read an online conversation of an individual sharing their worries with ChatGPT, and were randomized to be told responses were from ChatGPT or a professional mental health counselor providing temporary crisis assistance. Lastly, participants rated message quality, the message's perceived emotional supportiveness, and their help-seeking intentions. Results: Both groups' desire to seek help increased post-experiment; message quality and emotional supportiveness were similar across conditions; Internet addiction may moderate the effect of message source on emotional support. Conclusions: AI tools may effectively encourage help-seeking, regardless of individuals' hikikomori and internet addiction levels.