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CHATBOTS VS COUNSELORS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ RELIANCE ON CHATGPT AND INSTITUTIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Students & Supervisors

Student Authors
Anika Tahsin Alif
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Mass Communication, FASS
Md Mohaiminur Rahman Ekush
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Mass Communication, FASS
Supervisors
Mst. Nasrin Akter
Assistant Professor, Faculty, FASS

Abstract

In recent years, artificially intelligent chatbots such as ChatGPT have emerged as accessible platforms for mental health conversations, especially among digital-native populations. This study investigates the growing reliance of university students on artificial intelligence-powered chatbots for mental health support, compared to institutionally provided, human-operated services. Focusing on students at the American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB), this research explores the comparative usage and perceived trustworthiness of ChatGPT versus the university's official mental health support service, wEvolve. Grounded in Esther Perel’s concept of Artificial Intimacy and John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory, the study examines the emotional dynamics that drive students to confide in AI over expert human counselors. A mixed-method approach will be used, including a structured survey of 200 students from various faculties of AIUB and access to anonymized usage data from wEvolve. This study will look for patterns of emotional attachment and preference that can provide critical insights into how digital tools are reshaping the landscape of mental health support in higher education. The findings of this study have the potential to guide policymakers in the education sector, mental health practitioners, students, and their guardians to better understand the situation and develop appropriate policies and counseling strategies that balance technological convenience with human empathy in student mental health services.

Keywords

ChatGPT Artificial Intimacy Human-AI Interaction AI in Counseling Mental Health Student Well-being.

Publication Details

  • Type of Publication:
  • Conference Name: 2nd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION 2025
  • Date of Conference: 24/09/2025 - 24/09/2025
  • Venue: Hybrid
  • Organizer: INTI International University, Malaysia
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