Generative AI in the Online Mental Health Information Ecosystem: Young Adults' Use and Perceptions

Generative Artificial Intelligence and large language models (LLMs) are increasingly becoming part of the online information ecosystem. With this study, we investigated young adults’ use, perceptions, and attitudes toward these tools as sources of information on mental health concerns. We conducted an online survey of 96 participants aged 18–28 in the UK and Ireland to assess use, perceived benefits and risks, context-specific preferences, and attitudes toward AI-generated information. Use of these technologies was limited but notable, with almost one-third of participants reporting having used them for mental health information, predominantly ChatGPT. These tools were primarily used for self-reflection, preliminary information-seeking, low-stakes contexts and urgent situations. Overall, generative AI is reshaping information-seeking, offering potential benefits but also raising serious concerns that we ought to consider going forward.