Associations between frequent and excessive generative AI chatbot use and common mental health problems in college students: examining academic and social mechanisms

Despite the rapid rise of generative AI chatbot adoption in higher education, limited evidence exists regarding its possible consequences on college students' well-being and functioning. This study explored the impact of frequent/excessive generative AI chatbot use on the academic, social, and mental health outcomes among college students and tested whether academic- and social-related harms mediate the association between the usage and mental health problems. College students (N = 560) studied in Beijing (25.2%) and Hong Kong (74.8%) completed an online survey between June and August 2023. Most participants used ChatGPT. Frequent/excessive generative AI chatbot use was positively correlated with academic stress and loneliness. Furthermore, academic stress fully mediated the association between excessive generative AI chatbot use and anxiety. The findings suggest that frequent/excessive generative AI chatbot use may be associated with academic and social-related harms among college students and underscore the critical importance of fostering balanced and healthy engagement with these tools.