[2P4-GS-11] AI and Society

[2P4-GS-11-04] Impact of Perceived Usefulness on the Adoption of Mental Health AI Chatbots

Yuna Sugawara¹, Yui Murakami¹, Ryoma Ichihara¹, Aoi Tanaka¹, 〇Daichi Nakagawa¹ (1. Doshisha University)

Keywords:AI chatbot, Mental healthcare, Depression prevention

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential use of AI mental health services through the perceived usefulness of AI chatbots. Specifically, we will examine measures of acceptance of mental health care AI chatbots by young people who do not suffer from depression. Today, the number of people suffering from depression in Japan has increased approximately five-fold between 1996 and 2017. In addition, three-quarters of lifetime mental disorders begin by the mid-20s. Nevertheless, there is little interest in preventing depression on a daily basis. Prior research indicates that mental health care apps are effective for daily stress care. However, the current usage rate of apps is low. In this context, previous studies have shown that perceived usefulness and behavioral intention to use an app can lead to actual use.
In light of the above, we believe that making people perceive the usefulness of AI chatbots will contribute to people's acceptance of AI mental health care apps, and we tested these hypotheses. This study provides certain implications for the diffusion of AI chatbots.