V3I1P50

The Study of AI Chatbots Vs. Human Therapists: Gen Z’s Mental Health Preferences

Deborah Raja^1*, Dr, Shekar N Makkalageri²

Abstract

The study focuses on understanding the mental health preferences of Generation Z, particularly their inclination toward AI chatbots and human therapists for psychological support. The main objective is to examine Gen Z’s choice between digital and traditional mental health interventions, identify the key factors influencing their preferences such as accessibility, empathy, confidentiality, and cost evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid support model combining both approaches. A descriptive research design was adopted, utilizing both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through a structured Google Form questionnaire distributed to 50 respondents, primarily students and young adults familiar with digital platforms. Secondary data were obtained from published journals, research articles, and online studies related to AI in mental health care. The findings reveal that while 36% of respondents prefer human therapists and 24% favor AI chatbots, 40% express equal preference for both, indicating an openness to blended care. Factors such as personalized guidance and emotional understanding significantly influence the preference for human therapists, whereas accessibility and privacy make AI chatbots appealing. Furthermore, 53% of participants support a hybrid model using AI chatbots initially followed by human therapy reflecting the potential for integration rather than substitution. The study concludes that combining human empathy with AI efficiency can enhance accessibility, engagement, and overall effectiveness in mental health care for Generation Z.

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Chatbots, Human Therapists, Mental Health, Gen Z, Therapy Preferences, Emotional Well-being, Digital Counseling, Psychological Support, Technology in Mental Health