The Potential of Chatbots for Emotional Support and Promoting Mental Well-Being in Different Cultures: Mixed Methods Study

• DOI: 10.2196/51712
• Publication Date: 2023-09-29T10:05:43Z
• Authors: Hyojin Chin; Hyeonho Song; Gumhee Baek; Mingi Shin; Chani Jung; Meeyoung Cha; Junghoi Choi; Chiyoung Cha
• Keywords: Chatbot; Sadness; Popularity

Artificial intelligence chatbot research has focused on technical advances in natural language processing and validating the effectiveness of human-machine conversations specific settings. However, real-world chat data remain proprietary unexplored despite their growing popularity, new analyses uses effects mitigating negative moods are urgently needed.In this study, we investigated whether how artificial chatbots facilitate expression user emotions, specifically sadness depression. We also examined cultural differences depressive among users Western Eastern countries.This study used SimSimi, a global open-domain social chatbot, to analyze 152,783 conversation utterances containing terms "depress" "sad" 3 countries (Canada, United Kingdom, States) 5 (Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand). Study 1 reports findings people talk about depression based Linguistic Inquiry Word Count n-gram analyses. In 2, classified into predefined topics using semisupervised classification techniques better understand types prevalent chats. then identified distinguishing features chat-based discourse disparity between users.Our revealed intriguing differences. Chatbot indicated stronger emotions than (positive: P<.001; negative: P=.01); for example, more words associated with (P=.01). were likely share vulnerable such as mental health (P<.001), group had greater tendency discuss sensitive swear (P<.001) death (P<.001). addition, when talking chatbots, expressed differently other platforms. Users open expressing emotional vulnerability related or sad (74,045/148,590, 49.83%) media (149/1978, 7.53%). tended not broach that require support from others, seeking advice daily life difficulties, unlike media. acted anticipation conversational agents exhibit active listening skills foster safe space where they can openly states depression.The highlight potential chatbot-assisted support, emphasizing importance continued policy-wise efforts improve interactions those need assistance. Our indicate possibility providing helpful information moods, especially who have difficulty communicating humans.