Artificial Intelligence Chatbots for Mental Health Support: Exploring the Attitudes of Young Adults in Greece

The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots within mental health care has accelerated significantly, reflecting a growing trend toward leveraging digital tools to enhance accessibility and provide immediate support. We conducted a study to explore young adults’ perceptions of AI chatbots as tools for mental health support, assess their level of trust in AI technologies, and analyze factors associated with the formation of these attitudes. We carried out a cross-sectional study in October 2025. Attitudes toward AI chatbots for mental health support were assessed using the Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Scale (AIMHS), while trust in AI was measured with the Short Trust in Automation Scale (S-TIAS). AIMHS score reflected moderately positive attitudes toward AI chatbots for mental health support, while S-TIAS scores indicated a moderate level of trust in AI. A significant positive correlation was found between AIMHS and S-TIAS scores. Multivariable analysis revealed that greater daily use of social media/websites and higher self-perceived digital competence were significantly associated with more positive attitudes toward these chatbots. Increased daily use of social media/websites was significantly related to higher trust in AI. In conclusion, attitudes toward AI and trust in AI were moderately positive. Several factors influence individuals’ attitudes toward AI.