@article{ART003266155},
author={Shuo Sun and Qiling Deng and Yulei Wang and Ziyang Liu},
title={Understanding Young Users’ Continued Use of AI Chatbots for Mental Health: A TAM and PSI Perspective},
journal={Journal of The Korea Society of Computer and Information},
issn={1598-849X},
year={2025},
volume={30},
number={11},
pages={329-339}
TY - JOUR
AU - Shuo Sun
AU - Qiling Deng
AU - Yulei Wang
AU - Ziyang Liu
TI - Understanding Young Users’ Continued Use of AI Chatbots for Mental Health: A TAM and PSI Perspective
JO - Journal of The Korea Society of Computer and Information
PY - 2025
VL - 30
IS - 11
PB - The Korean Society Of Computer And Information
SP - 329
EP - 339
SN - 1598-849X
AB - AI chatbots have rapidly grown in popularity among Chinese adolescents and young adults as tools for emotional support and mental-health assistance. To investigate the factors driving their continued use, this study integrates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with parasocial interaction (PSI) theory. Survey data from 398 participants were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
The results show that emotional support and perceived ease of use positively influence perceived usefulness, while both perceived usefulness and PSI significantly predict continued usage intention. Moreover, perceived usefulness mediates the effects of emotional support and ease of use on sustained engagement. Although the study is limited by its focus on a single cultural context and a Chinese-only youth sample, the findings highlight design strategies-such as embedding empathy cues, enhancing usability, and fostering a sense of social connection-that can strengthen the long-term adoption of AI chatbots for mental-health support.
KW - AI chatbot;emotional support;perceived usefulness;ease of use;parasocial interaction;;mental health;continued use
DO -
UR -
ER -
Shuo Sun, Qiling Deng, Yulei Wang and Ziyang Liu. (2025). Understanding Young Users’ Continued Use of AI Chatbots for Mental Health: A TAM and PSI Perspective. Journal of The Korea Society of Computer and Information, 30(11), 329-339.
Shuo Sun, Qiling Deng, Yulei Wang and Ziyang Liu. 2025, "Understanding Young Users’ Continued Use of AI Chatbots for Mental Health: A TAM and PSI Perspective", Journal of The Korea Society of Computer and Information, vol.30, no.11 pp.329-339.
Shuo Sun, Qiling Deng, Yulei Wang, Ziyang Liu "Understanding Young Users’ Continued Use of AI Chatbots for Mental Health: A TAM and PSI Perspective" Journal of The Korea Society of Computer and Information 30.11 pp.329-339 (2025) : 329.
Shuo Sun, Qiling Deng, Yulei Wang, Ziyang Liu. Understanding Young Users’ Continued Use of AI Chatbots for Mental Health: A TAM and PSI Perspective. 2025; 30(11), 329-339.
Shuo Sun, Qiling Deng, Yulei Wang and Ziyang Liu. "Understanding Young Users’ Continued Use of AI Chatbots for Mental Health: A TAM and PSI Perspective" Journal of The Korea Society of Computer and Information 30, no.11 (2025) : 329-339.
Shuo Sun; Qiling Deng; Yulei Wang; Ziyang Liu. Understanding Young Users’ Continued Use of AI Chatbots for Mental Health: A TAM and PSI Perspective. Journal of The Korea Society of Computer and Information, 30(11), 329-339.
Shuo Sun; Qiling Deng; Yulei Wang; Ziyang Liu. Understanding Young Users’ Continued Use of AI Chatbots for Mental Health: A TAM and PSI Perspective. Journal of The Korea Society of Computer and Information. 2025; 30(11) 329-339.
Shuo Sun, Qiling Deng, Yulei Wang, Ziyang Liu. Understanding Young Users’ Continued Use of AI Chatbots for Mental Health: A TAM and PSI Perspective. 2025; 30(11), 329-339.
Shuo Sun, Qiling Deng, Yulei Wang and Ziyang Liu. "Understanding Young Users’ Continued Use of AI Chatbots for Mental Health: A TAM and PSI Perspective" Journal of The Korea Society of Computer and Information 30, no.11 (2025) : 329-339.
