Testing the Effectiveness of AI Chatbots to Improve Public Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Depression

Launched by PEKING UNIVERSITY · Mar 3, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether AI chatbots can help people better understand depression and change how they feel about it. The goal is to see if using these chatbots can reduce negative attitudes towards depression and encourage more individuals to seek help when they need it. Participants will be divided into three groups: one will learn directly from an AI teacher about depression, another will learn from the AI teacher and then interact with an AI that simulates a person experiencing depression, and the third group will receive traditional education materials. The study will measure how much participants learn about depression, their willingness to seek help, and their confidence in supporting others.

To participate, you need to be between 18 and 65 years old, a native Chinese speaker, and not currently experiencing any mental health issues. You’ll need to be comfortable using the internet or a mobile device to interact with the AI. If you join, you can expect to engage in various activities designed to enhance your knowledge of depression in a friendly and supportive environment. This trial aims to find out if AI can make a positive difference in how people understand and talk about mental health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Adults aged 18 to 65.
• • 2. General population, non-clinical individuals.
• • 3. No history of diagnosed mental disorders or current mental health diagnosis.
• • 4. Ability to complete AI interactions and related tasks via the internet or mobile devices.
• • 5. Native Chinese speakers.
• • 6. Willingness to participate in the study and sign an informed consent form.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. History of mental disorders or self-reported current mental health issues.
• • 2. Currently undergoing psychological counseling.
• • 3. Inability to use mobile or internet devices properly.