Qualitative Processes Associated with Social Interaction with ChatGPT and Digital Mental Health Literacy among Indonesian Generation Z

Authors

  • Igriya Fauzi Nabilah., M.Psi.,Psikolog. Faculty of Psychology Universitas Selamat Sri, Indonesia
  • Wihda Maulani., S.I.P.,M.I.P. Faculty of Social and Politcal Sciences, Universitas Selamat Sri, Indonesia
  • Amelia Putri Nirmala.,M.Psi.,Psikolog Faculty of Psychology Universitas Selamat Sri, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.8316092026

Keywords:

ChatGPT, digital mental health literacy, Generation Z, grounded theory, Mixed Methods, Social Interaction, Generative AI

Abstract

The rapid adoption of generative artificial intelligence among Indonesian Generation Z has not been accompanied by adequate readiness to critically navigate the mental health information it provides. This study examined the association between Social Interaction with ChatGPT and Digital Mental Health Literacy (DMHL) and explored the qualitative processes that may help explain this association. It was hypothesized that social interaction with ChatGPT would be positively associated with digital mental health literacy. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. The quantitative phase involved 195 Indonesian Generation Z ChatGPT users aged 18–25 years and was analyzed using Pearson's and Spearman's correlation analyses, followed by simple linear regression. Subsequently, twelve participants were purposively selected to represent four qualitative sampling profiles: High–High, Medium–Medium, Low–Low, and High–Low. The quantitative findings revealed a significant positive relationship between social interaction with ChatGPT and digital mental health literacy (r = 0.660, R² = 0.435, p < .001). The qualitative findings suggested that the association may be expressed through different patterns of emotional accessibility, perceived relational closeness, critical awareness, reflective practice, and continued reliance on human support. The findings indicate that interaction with ChatGPT should be understood in relation to both users’ cognitive evaluation of information and their emotional and relational experiences, while maintaining appropriate human and professional support.

Author Biographies

Igriya Fauzi Nabilah., M.Psi.,Psikolog., Faculty of Psychology Universitas Selamat Sri

Igriya Fauzi Nabilah is a lecturer in the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Selamat Sri and a licensed clinical psychologist. Her academic and research interests focus on clinical psychology, particularly mental health, emotion regulation, depression, stress, anxiety, meaning in life, and psychological well-being. Her recent research has expanded to include digital mental health, mental health literacy, and human artificial intelligence interaction within psychological contexts. Through her academic work and professional practice, she seeks to integrate psychological science with technological advancements to enhance the quality of mental health services and promote evidence-based psychological interventions.

Wihda Maulani., S.I.P.,M.I.P., Faculty of Social and Politcal Sciences, Universitas Selamat Sri

Wihda Maulani is a lecturer in the Government Science Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Selamat Sri. Her academic and research interests focus on government science, particularly governance, public policy, public administration, public service, and regional government development. She actively conducts research on various governance issues to support the development of effective, transparent, and community-oriented governance.

Amelia Putri Nirmala.,M.Psi.,Psikolog, Faculty of Psychology Universitas Selamat Sri

Amelia Putri Nirmala is a lecturer in the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Selamat Sri. Her academic and research interests focus on educational psychology, particularly learning motivation, student adjustment, guidance and counseling services, and psychological interventions for students. She actively conducts research on the application of various counseling approaches and psychological interventions to support academic development, psychological well-being, and the optimization of learning processes in educational settings.

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Published

2026-09-01

How to Cite

Nabilah, I. F., Maulani, W., & Nirmala, A. P. (2026). Qualitative Processes Associated with Social Interaction with ChatGPT and Digital Mental Health Literacy among Indonesian Generation Z. Journal of Psychological Perspective, 8(3), 219–230. https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.8316092026

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Empirical Research

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