Analyzing the Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence as a Counselor to Gen Z’s Mental Health in Pakistan

Authors

  • Haleema Saleem Student - BSAF, NUST Business School, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Hamda Gohar Student - BSAF, NUST Business School, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Hamna Khan Student - BSAF, NUST Business School, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Eman Hassan Student - BSAF, NUST Business School, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Iqra Sajid Student - BSAF, NUST Business School, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56976/rjsi.v6i2.250

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mental Health, Mental Health Problems, Effectiveness, Genz, Support

Abstract

Heavy reliance of Gen Z on technology, specifically during Covid 19 pandemic, in the escalating mental health issues presented opportunities for innovative solutions. AI based mental health support facilities can be a promising tool in overcoming a lot of these issues in this digital generation. This study seeks to employ AI based solutions in mental health support field and how effective it will prove to be in near future in Pakistan, considering the perceptions of Gen Z regarding these solutions. A phenomenological research design was used for the study, where students from universities of Islamabad, having mental health problems, were included in the sample. The study followed an inductive approach. Experiences of ten students from the sample were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews and deeply studied to draw the results. Positive aspects (accessibility and efficiency), three negative aspects (unawareness, lack of emotional quotient, and ethical concerns) and other suggestions (improvements, academic pressure, societal pressure, and collaboration with professionals) emerged about AI powered mental health support among GenZ. In Pakistan, integrating AI-powered mental health solutions faces hurdles like public skepticism and data privacy concerns. By doing collaborative partnerships and addressing societal taboos, these innovations hold the potential to reshape mental health care accessibility and effectiveness in the nation.

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Published

2023-06-30

How to Cite

Saleem, H. ., Gohar, H. ., Khan, H. ., Hassan, E. ., & Sajid, I. . (2023). Analyzing the Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence as a Counselor to Gen Z’s Mental Health in Pakistan. Research Journal for Societal Issues, 6(2), 620–635. https://doi.org/10.56976/rjsi.v6i2.250

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Vol. 6 No. 2 (2024): RJSI

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