The Role of AI in Peer Support for Young People: A Study of Preferences for Human- and AI-Generated Responses

TL;DR

This study explores young people's preferences for AI- versus human-generated responses in peer support, revealing preferences vary by topic sensitivity and highlighting implications for AI integration in youth support systems.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into young people's preferences for AI and human responses in peer support, informing safe and effective AI use in social media contexts.

Findings

Young people prefer AI responses for relationship, self-expression, and health topics.

Humans are preferred for sensitive issues like suicidal thoughts.

Preferences vary based on topic sensitivity and response context.

Abstract

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated into everyday technology, including news, education, and social media. AI has further pervaded private conversations as conversational partners, auto-completion, and response suggestions. As social media becomes young people's main method of peer support exchange, we need to understand when and how AI can facilitate and assist in such exchanges in a beneficial, safe, and socially appropriate way. We asked 622 young people to complete an online survey and evaluate blinded human- and AI-generated responses to help-seeking messages. We found that participants preferred the AI-generated response to situations about relationships, self-expression, and physical health. However, when addressing a sensitive topic, like suicidal thoughts, young people preferred the human response. We also discuss the role of training in online peer support exchange and its implications for supporting young people's well-being. Disclaimer: This paper includes sensitive topics, including suicide ideation. Reader discretion is advised.