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AI Companions for Mental Health

MR
Overseen ByMicaela Rodriguez, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Michigan
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This randomized longitudinal study examines how interacting with an artificially intelligent (AI) companion affects psychological well-being, social experiences, and interpersonal attitudes and behaviors over time. A total of 1,200 U.S. adults will be randomly assigned to either interact with an AI companion (via the Replika app) for 10 weeks or continue life as usual. Participants will complete online surveys at baseline, throughout the 10-week study period, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. The study will examine both potential benefits and risks of AI companionship, including effects on psychological well-being, social connection, and interpersonal attitudes and behaviors.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for U.S. adults interested in exploring how interacting with an AI companion might affect their mental health and social experiences. There are no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria listed, so most adults can participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Own a smartphone
Living in the United States
I am 18 years old or older.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Any suicidal ideation, defined as a response other than 'not at all' to the suicidal ideation item of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
I have severe depression with a PHQ-9 score of 20 or higher.

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • AI Companion Interaction

Trial Overview

The study tests whether using an AI companion app (Replika) for 10 weeks changes psychological well-being, social connection, and attitudes compared to not using the app. Participants are randomly assigned to either use the app or continue as usual.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: AI CompanionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,891
Recruited
6,458,000+

Yale University

Collaborator

Trials
1,963
Recruited
3,046,000+

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