# Young people's perceptions and recommendations for conversational generative artificial intelligence in youth mental health

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.13381 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.13381/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 2 of its 77 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 15 Apr 2026.

## Builds on (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI): Concepts, Taxonomies, Opportunities and Challenges toward Responsible AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1910.10045/) (2019)
- [Beyond Wellbeing Apps: Co-Designing Immersive, Embodied, and Collective Digital Wellbeing Interventions for Healthcare Professionals](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.19524/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Conversational generative artificial intelligence agents (or genAI chatbots) could benefit youth mental health, yet young people's perspectives remain underexplored. We examined the Mental health Intelligence Agent (Mia), a genAI chatbot originally designed for professionals in Australian youth services. Following co-design, 32 young people participated in online workshops exploring their perceptions of genAI chatbots in youth mental health and to develop recommendations for reconceptualising Mia for consumers and integrating it into services. Four themes were developed: (1) Humanising AI without dehumanising care, (2) I need to know what's under the hood, (3) Right tool, right place, right time?, and (4) Making it mine on safe ground. This study offers insights into young people's attitudes, needs, and requirements regarding genAI chatbots in youth mental health, with key implications for service integration. Additionally, by co-designing system requirements, this work informs the ethics, design, development, implementation, and governance of genAI chatbots in youth mental health contexts.