# Resonance: Drawing from Memories to Imagine Positive Futures through AI-Augmented Journaling

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.24145 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.24145/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 8 of its 90 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 31 Mar 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 8 of 8)

- [A Survey of Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.18223/) (2023)
- [AI Chains: Transparent and Controllable Human-AI Interaction by Chaining Large Language Model Prompts](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2110.01691/) (2021)
- [Can language models learn from explanations in context?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2204.02329/) (2022)
- [PromptChainer: Chaining Large Language Model Prompts through Visual Programming](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.06566/) (2022)
- [MindfulDiary: Harnessing Large Language Model to Support Psychiatric Patients' Journaling](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.05231/) (2023)
- [Memoro: Using Large Language Models to Realize a Concise Interface for Real-Time Memory Augmentation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.02135/) (2024)
- [Contextual AI Journaling: Integrating LLM and Time Series Behavioral Sensing Technology to Promote Self-Reflection and Well-being using the MindScape App](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.00487/) (2024)
- [Future You: A Conversation with an AI-Generated Future Self Reduces Anxiety, Negative Emotions, and Increases Future Self-Continuity](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.12514/) (2024)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Vidmento: Creating Video Stories Through Context-Aware Expansion With Generative Video](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2601.22013/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

People inherently use experiences of their past while imagining their future, a capability that plays a crucial role in mental health. Resonance is an AI-powered journaling tool designed to augment this ability by offering AI-generated, action-oriented suggestions for future activities based on the user's own past memories. Suggestions are offered when a new memory is logged and are followed by a prompt for the user to imagine carrying out the suggestion. In a two-week randomized controlled study (N=55), we found that using Resonance significantly improved mental health outcomes, reducing the users' PHQ8 scores, a measure of current depression, and increasing their daily positive affect, particularly when they would likely act on the suggestion. Notably, the effectiveness of the suggestions was higher when they were personal, novel, and referenced the user's logged memories. Finally, through open-ended feedback, we discuss the factors that encouraged or hindered the use of the tool.