Digital Mental Health Post COVID-19: The Era of AI Chatbots

Digital mental health uses technology—like the Internet, smartphones, wearables, and immersive platforms—to improve access to care. While these resources quickly expanded post COVID-19, ongoing issues include low user retention, poor digital literacy, unclear privacy rules, and limited proof of effectiveness and safety. AI chatbots, also known as agents and assistants that act as a therapist or companion, support mental health by delivering counseling and personalized interactions through various apps and devices. AI chatbots may boost social health and lower loneliness, however, they may also increase dependence and affect emotional outcomes. Their use remains largely unregulated, with concerns about privacy, bias, and ethics. Experiences vary; some users report positive results while others doubt their safety and impact, especially in crisis response. There is a need to better protect vulnerable users and engage the underserved, with input from various individuals with lived experience on what feels safe, supportive, or harmful when interacting with AI chatbots. Proper evaluation, standardized training by digital navigators, and ethical/clinical guidelines are crucial for safe, engaging and effective adoption of AI in mental health care and support.