arXiv:2606. 04150v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Public discourse and emerging policy typically assume that AI emotional support is a deliberate act: a lonely user consciously seeking comfort from a dedicated companion chatbot.
By Yaoxi Shi, Cathy Mengying Fang, Pattie Maez, Amit Goldenberg
This scoping review examined 48 studies on generative AI chatbots designed to deliver motivational interviewing (MI). It found that most systems were text‑based and disembodied, with about half incorporating dynamic adaptation, and that safety reporting was inconsistent. While user perceptions were generally positive and many studies reported MI‑consistent interactions, evidence for sustained behavioral or functional change remains limited.
By Runze Hu, Jingqi Kong, Yang Yang, Yihang Yang, Jingyao Liu, Haizhou Tang, Shanghang Zhang, Zheng Liu
The paper introduces CounselReflect, a tool that converts counseling quality metrics into a framework for users to reflect on their mental‑health AI conversations. Through interviews with 21 users, the study finds that while most participants rarely reflect on their interactions, they identify specific questions they would like such a tool to address. The findings also reveal that users tend to confirm existing beliefs and focus on familiar dimensions, highlighting the need for reflection tools to expose blind spots and encourage a more comprehensive examination of AI interactions, especially when revisiting emotionally charged exchanges.
By Yahan Li, Chaohao Du, Christopher Chun Kuizon, Zeyang Li, Nimra Ishfaq, Shupeng Cheng, Angelica Yinling Sun, Adam C. Frank, Angel Hsing-Chi Hwang, Ruishan Liu
arXiv:2607. 09253v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: AI chatbots are increasingly used for answering health-related questions.
By Gwenn Beets, Anniek Jansen, Saar Hommes, Ruben D. Vromans, Leonie Westerbeek, Supraja Sankaran, Julia C. M. van Weert, Emiel J. Krahmer, Nadine Bol
arXiv:2609.00250v1 Announce Type: cross
Abstract: Many people now see AI systems as not just productivity tools but as social companions. Researchers are eager to study the consequences of AI compani...
By Jacy Reese Anthis, Mark D\'iaz, Renee Shelby
arXiv:2511.11689v4 Announce Type: replace-cross
Abstract: Generative AI chatbots built for mental health could extend access to care, but evidence from real-world use is limited. We report a single-a...
By Thomas D. Hull, Lizhe Zhang, Caitlin A. Stamatis, Patricia A. Arean, Matteo Malgaroli