Artificial Intelligence Use and Digital Mental Health Literacy among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Author : Nilu Kumari
Abstract :
Background: The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) among adolescents has created new opportunities for accessing mental health information. However, AI engagement may not necessarily reflect the ability to critically evaluate and appropriately use digital mental health information.
Aim: The study examined Artificial Intelligence Use and Digital Mental Health Literacy (DMHL), their relationship, differences across age and gender, and the predictive role of AI use in DMHL among adolescents.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 600 adolescents aged 13–18 years studying in government and private schools in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India. Participants were selected using multistage stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the Artificial Intelligence Use Scale and Digital Mental Health Literacy Scale. Pearson correlation, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and regression analysis were employed.
Results: The findings indicated significant gender differences, with boys showing greater AI engagement, while girls demonstrated higher digital mental health literacy. Both AI use and digital mental health literacy showed significant age-related differences, with higher levels generally observed among older adolescents. A moderate, positive, and significant association was found between AI use and digital mental health literacy. Regression analysis further indicated that AI use significantly predicted digital mental health literacy, accounting for a meaningful proportion of its variance.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that AI engagement is significantly associated with digital mental health literacy among adolescents. However, greater AI use does not necessarily imply greater mental health literacy. The study highlights the need for age- and gender-sensitive interventions integrating AI literacy, critical evaluation of digital mental health information, responsible AI use, online safety, and appropriate help-seeking skills.
Keywords :
Artificial Intelligence; Digital Mental Health Literacy; Adolescents; AI Use; Digital Health Literacy; Mental Health.
