The Impact of AI-Based Interventions in the Mental Health Industry Addressing Depression and Social Isolation among Youth

초록

Purpose: This study examines the efficiency of artificial intelligence-based interventions in managing depression and social relationship problems among lonely young people aged 13 to 24. Specifically, it compares therapeutic chatbots, virtual therapists, and social companion applications to evaluate relative effectiveness and durability. Research design, data and methodology: A structured quantitative review synthesized 42 studies including 8,456 participants. Standardized mean differences were calculated to estimate effects on depression and loneliness, and moderator analyses assessed engagement, intervention length, personalization, and baseline severity. Results: Overall effects were small to moderate for depression d equals 0.39 and loneliness d equals 0.38. Virtual therapists showed stronger depression outcomes d equals 0.49 than chatbots d equals 0.38 and social companions d equals 0.31, while social companions d were most effective for loneliness d equals 0.51. Engagement correlated positively with outcomes r equals 0.52, yet retention declined from 74 percent in four weeks to 51 percent in twelve weeks. About 54 percent of gains remained at six months. Conclusions: AI interventions demonstrate meaningful potential for youth mental health when personalization and sustained engagement strategies are incorporated, supporting scalable and inclusive digital service delivery. Findings suggest broad applicability across age and gender groups. Long-term monitoring is recommended.

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