Evaluating the Experience of LGBTQ+ People Using Large Language Model Based Chatbots for Mental Health Support

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Ma, Zilin, Mei, Yiyang, Long, Yinru, Su, Zhaoyuan, Gajos, Krzysztof Z.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
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_version_ 1866910331331149824
author Ma, Zilin
Mei, Yiyang
Long, Yinru
Su, Zhaoyuan
Gajos, Krzysztof Z.
author_facet Ma, Zilin
Mei, Yiyang
Long, Yinru
Su, Zhaoyuan
Gajos, Krzysztof Z.
contents LGBTQ+ individuals are increasingly turning to chatbots powered by large language models (LLMs) to meet their mental health needs. However, little research has explored whether these chatbots can adequately and safely provide tailored support for this demographic. We interviewed 18 LGBTQ+ and 13 non-LGBTQ+ participants about their experiences with LLM-based chatbots for mental health needs. LGBTQ+ participants relied on these chatbots for mental health support, likely due to an absence of support in real life. Notably, while LLMs offer prompt support, they frequently fall short in grasping the nuances of LGBTQ-specific challenges. Although fine-tuning LLMs to address LGBTQ+ needs can be a step in the right direction, it isn't the panacea. The deeper issue is entrenched in societal discrimination. Consequently, we call on future researchers and designers to look beyond mere technical refinements and advocate for holistic strategies that confront and counteract the societal biases burdening the LGBTQ+ community.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2402_09260
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Evaluating the Experience of LGBTQ+ People Using Large Language Model Based Chatbots for Mental Health Support
Ma, Zilin
Mei, Yiyang
Long, Yinru
Su, Zhaoyuan
Gajos, Krzysztof Z.
Human-Computer Interaction
LGBTQ+ individuals are increasingly turning to chatbots powered by large language models (LLMs) to meet their mental health needs. However, little research has explored whether these chatbots can adequately and safely provide tailored support for this demographic. We interviewed 18 LGBTQ+ and 13 non-LGBTQ+ participants about their experiences with LLM-based chatbots for mental health needs. LGBTQ+ participants relied on these chatbots for mental health support, likely due to an absence of support in real life. Notably, while LLMs offer prompt support, they frequently fall short in grasping the nuances of LGBTQ-specific challenges. Although fine-tuning LLMs to address LGBTQ+ needs can be a step in the right direction, it isn't the panacea. The deeper issue is entrenched in societal discrimination. Consequently, we call on future researchers and designers to look beyond mere technical refinements and advocate for holistic strategies that confront and counteract the societal biases burdening the LGBTQ+ community.
title Evaluating the Experience of LGBTQ+ People Using Large Language Model Based Chatbots for Mental Health Support
topic Human-Computer Interaction
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.09260