Alter egos alter engagement: perspective-taking can improve disclosure quantity and depth to AI chatbots in promoting mental wellbeing

Abstract

Introduction: can support user disclosure by addressing underlying psychological barriers. Methods: participants provided self-information and responded from their own perspective. Disclosure was measured by quantity (word count) and depth (information, thoughts, and feelings). Additional immediate measures captured readiness, intentions for mental wellbeing, and attitudes toward the chatbot and intervention. Results: participants reported significantly lower (better) skepticism towards the intervention and greater increases in willingness to engage with AI chatbots comparatively. Discussion: This study highlights how perspective-taking and distancing may facilitate greater disclosure to AI chatbots supporting mental wellbeing. We explore the nature of these disclosures and how perspective-taking may drive readiness and enrich the substance of disclosures. These findings suggest a way for chatbots to evoke deeper reflection and effective support while potentially reducing the need to share sensitive personal self-information directly with generative AI systems.

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